By Blake Jackson
The International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit in Chicago emphasized "innovation" and "sustainability" as key focus areas in the dairy industry. The summit gathered over 1,100 participants from 50 countries, including dairy farmers, processors, policymakers, and industry leaders. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack highlighted climate concerns and the importance of sustainability in dairy production. While European and New Zealand dairy farmers showcased their sustainability efforts, many U.S. dairy farmers are also prioritizing environmentally friendly practices. Janet Clark, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, described her farm's sustainable practices, including cover crops, manure digesters, and water conservation.
Alex Peterson, chairman of the National Dairy Board and a Missouri farmer, acknowledged the progress made in sustainability on dairy farms but stressed the need for better communication about these efforts. The IDF recognized innovations related to sustainability, including a Canadian company's methane efficiency genetic evaluation to reduce methane emissions in cattle without compromising production.
California dairy farmer Simon Vander Woude emphasized economic sustainability for family farms, mentioning challenges due to changing regulations and political uncertainties in the U.S. He noted the importance of planning ahead for long-term projects and the need for more stability in government policies.
Efficiency was underscored as a key aspect of sustainability, enabling farms to do more with less. The journey toward sustainability may vary for each farm, but dairy farmers remain committed to finding opportunities within challenges.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Dairy Cattle