Supporting sustainable dairy: New checkoff conservation resource goes live

ROSEMONT, Ill. — The dairy checkoff has launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online resource hub designed to provide farm advisers, stakeholders and conservation professionals with science-based information on sustainable farming practices and technologies.

The Navigator aggregates science-based information from more than 70 experts, helping users make informed decisions that enhance farm profitability and sustainability efforts.

Dairy checkoff scientists and others developed a list of over 80 practices that have a positive environmental benefit in areas including nutrient management, methane reduction, soil health, manure handling and more. The tool can be accessed at www.dairyconservation.org.

“Sustainability is one of those topics where there’s so much information, but it’s scattered across countless websites and it’s often difficult to know what’s credible and applicable to dairy farming,” said Bridgett Hilshey, senior director of sustainability projects at Dairy Management Inc.

“Our goal is to simplify the process of accessing that information — offering a single, trusted platform where industry professionals can find scientifically-backed information about practices that can help improve farm sustainability.”

The tool features a filterable database, allowing users to find solutions tailored to their specific needs. Each practice includes a summary outlining its purpose, conditions for use, implementation considerations, funding options and environmental benefits.

The Navigator also includes information on emerging sustainability practices and technologies that could transform the industry.

Additionally, the checkoff partnered with experts nationwide to create free short courses covering topics like environmental modeling, carbon markets and water conservation.

“We strive to make sure the information on the site is comprehensive,” Hilshey said. “We worked with experts to cover a wide range of topics that interest dairy industry stakeholders and to ensure that the Navigator content is grounded in real-world experience.

“Our goal is for farm advisers and other stakeholders to understand these practices, including the benefits and limitations, so they can identify new opportunities and set realistic expectations.”

The tool is designed for the wide range of professionals who support farm decisions, including veterinarians, nutritionists, agronomists, equipment suppliers, conservationists and financial advisers, as well as those associated with cooperatives, processors, university extension and others.

Jacqi Coleman, senior vice president of sustainability partnerships for DMI, emphasized the Navigator’s role in bridging the gap between the increasing demand for sustainability in dairy farming and the need for easily accessible, reliable information.

“What we hear most often is that sustainability is confusing, with new terms and evolving expectations,” Coleman said. “This site provides science-based information and educational tools that help users navigate sustainability through education.

“The checkoff has always been backed by science, and we want to make sure the resource provides trusted, science-based information.”

The Navigator will be frequently updated to reflect the latest research, field trials and emerging technologies.

“Sustainability is an evolving field, and we’re committed to ensuring the Navigator can meet that pace,” Hilshey said. “The goal is to make this a living, breathing resource that grows alongside the industry.”

DMI will introduce the tool at industry events and conferences with partners like The Nature Conservancy and the Conservation Technology Information Center.