California Ag Network

Tag: California Dairy Sustainability Summit

  • Anaerobically Digested Dairy Manure to Serve as Liquid Fertilizer for Tomatoes

    Researchers at UC Davis have found a new, safe way to treat dairy manure for use as a high quality, organic liquid fertilizer on fresh produce crops.  Watch this interview with Ruihong Zhang from UC Davis as she shares the results of their studies and read more in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • CA Dairy Organizations Host 900+ in Successful Virtual Summit

    Dairy Cares — California’s dairy farmers are leading change and making significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing planet-smart, sustainable farming practices. Ongoing partnerships remain critical to this progress. On November 5-6, the virtual California Dairy Sustainability Summit welcomed 900+ registrants, with more than 600 tuning in live throughout the two-day online event.

    The virtual summit hosted conversations among dairy farmers, industry leaders, government officials, leading researchers, technology providers, and sustainable food, consumer, and nutrition experts. The program recognized true sustainability includes economic and social considerations, in addition to environmental—ultimately aiming to ensure the ongoing availability of affordable, nutrient-rich foods. Given the current economic challenges, this effort is paramount as more than 54 million Americans currently face food insecurity. Through panel discussions and keynotes, speakers recognized accomplishments and opportunities to further improve the sustainability of family dairy farms and the entire supply chain.

    World-renowned researchers provided important perspective and scientific basis for discussing strategies and policies to drive change. Dr. Ermias Kebreab of the University of California, Davis shared research demonstrating significant reductions acheived in the water and GHG footprints of California dairy farm production. He noted that global GHG emissions could be reduced by 1.73% if all regions could produce milk as efficiently as California. Dr. Frank Mitloehner of UC Davis explained how methane has a relatively short atmospheric lifetime, and that the state’s efforts to reduce dairy methane can lead to global cooling. Dr. Myles Allen of the University of Oxford further highlighted the differences between methane and carbon dioxide and why they should be treated differently in strategies to reduce global warming.
     
    California’s state officials also contributed important insights. Richard Corey, Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board explained how the state’s policies are helping to reduce GHGs, noting that incentive-based approaches funded through public-private partnership—such as the state’s dairy digester program—are critical to that effort. Carlos Suarez, California State Conservationist highlighted the great history and ongoing conservation efforts taking place through partnership between the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and dairy farmers—helping improve the protection of air quality, water resources, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Jenny Lester Moffitt, Undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture led a discussion among dairy farmers, as they shared their personal experiences with adopting new farming practices to improve soil health and water conservation.
     
    Leaders of the nation’s largest dairy cooperatives and the US Dairy Export Council also shared their visions for sustainability, focusing on employees (both on farms and within processing facilities), animal welfare, the environment, economic viability, and nutrition. The national dairy industry is committed to reducing GHGs, working toward a net zero climate impact by 2050. Leaders noted that strong partnerships and advancements in technology—as well as rural connectivity—will all be critical to achieving this goal.
     

    More than 50 speakers participated throughout the two-day virtual event—sharing unique insights on a wide variety topics. Sessions highlighted important efforts to improve the protection of environmental resources and further the adoption of renewable energy. Dairy farmers also discussed participating in community efforts to ensure clean drinking water for all, and working in partnership with researchers, technical experts, and government agencies to improve how groundwater resources are protected. Tremendous opportunities are currently being explored, including avenues for maximizing the use of manure nutrients on crops across California’s rich and diverse agricultural landscape.

    Despite economic challenges and uncertainty, speakers expressed optimism and an ongoing willingness to work together. “I think we’re just about to hit our stride,” said Lyle Schlyer, President of Calgren Dairy Fuels, a company that partners with dairy farmers to create renewable, carbon-negative transportation fuel. Schlyer participated in a panel discussion about opportunities and strategies to ensure dairy biogas continues to help fuel California’s clean energy and climate goals.
     
    Overall, the virtual California Dairy Sustainability Summit took a meaningful look at complex sustainability issues and the bigger picture. Digital consumer expert, Steve Lerch said that while consumers value sustainability, it’s difficult to fully understand, measure, and compare what brands and companies are doing to be sustainable. For this reason, it’s important to communicate a clear and compelling sustainability story. It was also noted that the ongoing global pandemic has further highlighted the importance of nutrition, as well as our overall health and well-being. Milk and dairy foods play an important role in nourishing people of all ages, to help create healthier communities in California and beyond.
     
    The California Dairy Sustainability Summit is hosted by Dairy Cares, California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and Dairy Council of California. The summit would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Organizers look forward to future opportunities to host ongoing collaborative efforts.
    2020 has been a year of many challenges, but also of creativity, compassion, and perseverance. The Virtual California Dairy Sustainability Summit is an example of that spirit and a milestone in the ongoing efforts to advance planet-smart dairy farm practices.

  • Students Earn Scholarships Through Dairy’s Future Leaders Contest

    California’s leading dairy organizations have announced the winners of the Dairy’s Future Leaders college student writing contest. The contest asked students to share what sustainability means to them and how they envision their futures as leaders in the dairy community. Genevieve Regli, sophomore at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, received first place honors. Second and third place awards went to Hayley Fernandes, sophomore at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and Andrew Skidmore, junior and Fresno State University, respectively.

    “I was excited to provide my insight on sustainability,” said Regli, whose family has been dairy farming in Ferndale for more than 120 years. “What I’ve seen my whole life is that dairy farmers experience some very good times and some very hard times. We have to be looking forward, and we have to get creative in order to survive and make sure we can pass the farm on to the next generation.”

    The contest was offered as part of the California Dairy Sustainability Summit, a program that brings together dairy farmers, state officials, researchers, and other key stakeholders to help advance the economic and environmental sustainability of the state’s family dairy farms. The Summit is hosted by Dairy Cares, California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Council of California, and the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program. Through the writing contest, current dairy leaders learned how the next generation views challenges and opportunities.

    Regli is majoring in agricultural communications and aspires to one day own and operate a dairy farm educational center. “The reality is that today’s college students are the future consumers and future leaders of our state,” Regli said. “I know from working with students outside of the college of agriculture that we have to start conversations with our shared values, and we have to be prepared to adapt to their needs as consumers.”

    To support students’ academic and professional pursuits, the top three winning students were awarded scholarships, sponsored by Milk Producers Council (MPC), nonprofit organization representing dairy families throughout California. Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel, Director of Regulatory & Economic Affairs for MPC was pleased with the level of participation and the quality of essays submitted.

    From left to right: Genevieve Regli, Hayley Fernandes, and Andrew Skidmore earned top honors for their essays on dairy sustainability.

    “Dairy farmers face a lot of challenges, as our state continues to raise the bar for many environmental standards: water quality and conservation, methane reduction, and air quality improvements,” Vanden Heuvel said. “It’s good that students start to think about how all these pieces fit together and their impacts on economic and social sustainability.”

    Contest entries were submitted from across colleges and universities in California and other states, and the essays discussed a wide range of issues. Participants included both students born and raised on dairy farms and others whose interest in dairy began differently. All contestants expressed interest in pursuing careers throughout the broader dairy industry—including teaching and research, mechanical and agronomic support, and marketing and communications.

    Second-place winner Hayley Fernandes is majoring in dairy science, with a minor in law and society. Her family owns and operates a dairy farm in Pixley. Fernandes plans to pursue a law degree and become an advocate for dairy farmers. “California is very progressive,” she said. “While that can be difficult for farmers, it also helps us stay ahead of the curve. That’s something I hear my dad and uncles talk about a lot. I’d like to become an expert on issues that impact farmers, so I can help them continue to progress in ways that are economically sustainable.”

    Third-place winner Andrew Skidmore is a mechanical engineering major with a passion for dairy and agriculture. “I want to work in agriculture, and I want to help solve problems, both the mechanical kind and those that involve people,” Skidmore said. “One challenge I’m fascinated with is the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. What tools and strategies can we use to help farmers manage their water? I think I could be a part of that solution.”

    Dairy’s Future Leaders contest awards were intended to be announced at the California Dairy Sustainability Summit, previously planned for March 2020. The event has been postponed, now to take place November 5-6, 2020 in Sacramento. While the COVID-19 outbreak has recently posed many challenges to the dairy community and to college students, it has not disheartened the spirit of these passionate young leaders. Skidmore said he’s still an optimist: “That just means there’s more problems for us to help solve.”

    Learn more about the top three winners. Click the links below to read the top ten essays:

  • Early Bird Registration Announced for California Dairy Sustainability Summit

    Early bird registration is now open for the California Dairy Sustainability Summit taking place March 25-26, 2020, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The Summit, co- hosted by Dairy Cares, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Council of California, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and the California Dairy Research Foundation, will bring together hundreds of California dairy farmers, state officials, technology providers and other key stakeholders to promote dairy sustainability and develop new business opportunities.

    The two-day event showcases California’s world-leading achievements in planet-smart dairy farm practices and the role dairy plays in both the states’ and global food systems. Through keynote presentations, panel discussion, breakout sessions, and a packed expo hall, attendees will gain insight into technologies, practices and policies that will improve operational efficiency, boost sustainability, further improve environmental performance and create new economic opportunities for dairy farmers.

    “California’s dairy families are proud to provide consumers with nutritious and affordable foods, while continually reducing our environmental footprint,” said Charles “Chuck” Ahlem, a dairy farmer and board member for three of the hosting organizations. “We look forward to another opportunity to bring hundreds of dairy farmers together to share best practices, discuss challenges and develop proactive solutions.”

    The California dairy sector is the nation’s largest and supports about 180,000 California jobs. California dairy families are on track to achieve a world-leading goal for reducing dairy methane emissions, while working to boost additional areas of environmental performance. Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are owned and operated by local families, all working to ensure their operations remain sustainable, both environmentally and economically.

    The Summit is dedicated to promoting widespread development, investment and adoption of technologies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water conservation and protection, enhance air quality, and address rising labor and energy costs, all while optimizing cow health and comfort. The inaugural summit brought together more than 650 attendees, including 200 dairy farmers, solution providers, and California regulators and stakeholders. Cohosts and event partners look forward to expanding the event’s impact in 2020.

    “I was impressed with the number of farmers who attended last year. It shows that we are looking ahead and trying to make the most out of the decisions we are making so our farms remain sustainable,

    both environmentally and financially. We are working together, and we have a positive story to share. The California Dairy Sustainability Summit allows us to do that,” said Simon Vander Woude, a dairy farmer and chairman of California Dairies, Inc.

    Confirmed speakers for the Summit include:

    • –  Ermias Kebreab, PhD, Professor and Sesnon Endowed Chair in Sustainable Animal Agriculture, University of California, Davis

    • –  Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Farmers of America

    • –  Ashley Rosales, Program Director of Nutrition Sciences, Dairy Council of California

    • –  Phil Lempert, Founder and CEO, The Lempert Report, Retail Dietitians Business Alliance

    • –  Brad Anderson, Chief Operating Officer and Incoming President and CEO, California Dairies, Inc.

    • –  Gregory Miller, PhD, Global Chief Science Officer, National Dairy Council

    • –  Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture

    • –  Frank Mitloehner, PhD, Professor and Air Quality Specialist, University of California, Davis

    • –  Susan Eggman, Assemblymember, California State Assembly

      The California Dairy Sustainability Summit would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. Confirmed sponsors include Aequion, California Bioenergy, Hilmar Cheese Company, Laird Manufacturing, Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers, DeLaval, Farm Credit, Modesto Dairy Solutions, California State Water Resources Control Board, Maas Energy Works, Save Our Planet, US Farm Systems and California Dairy Magazine.

      The California Dairy Sustainability Summit, taking place March 25-26, 2020, at Cal Expo in Sacramento, is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairy Council of California, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and California Dairy Research Foundation. Event partners include the California Dairy Campaign, California Dairies, Inc., Dairy Farmers of America – Western Area, Dairy Institute of California, Hilmar Cheese Company, Land O’ Lakes, Milk Producers Council, Producer’s Dairy, Joseph Gallo Farms, California Farm Bureau Federation, and Western States Dairy Producers Association. Learn more at CADairySummit.com.

    • Dairy Cares (DairyCares.com) is a statewide coalition with a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s dairy farm families through strong environmental stewardship and responsible animal care. Members include California’s farmer-owned milk cooperatives, privately- owned milk processors, and trade associations.

    • For twenty years, the award-winning California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) (CDRF.org/cdqap) has worked as a partnership between the dairy industry, academia, and others to provide science-based education and third-party certifications, promoting the health of consumers, the environment, and the health and welfare of dairy animals.

    • The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) (CDRF.org) is an independent non-profit organization that leads and delivers research and science-based programs towards a more innovative and sustainable California industry.

    • Funded by California’s dairy farm families and local milk processors, Dairy Council of California (HealthyEating.org) empowers stakeholders, including educators, health professionals and communities, to elevate the health of children and families through the pursuit of lifelong healthy eating habits.

    • The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) (RealCaliforniaMilk.com), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,300 dairy families. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB promotes California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. 

  • Global Dairy Market Update from California Milk Advisory Board

    While California dairy producers have been experiencing continued lower prices for their product, there are some positive global trends dairy producers can look forward to as reported by John Talbot, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board in a recent interview with California Ag Network. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine. Don’t currently receive the magazine? Subscribe for FREE at: https://malcolmmedia.com/california-dairy-magazine-subscriptions/

  • What CA Dairy Producers Should know about SGMA

    California farmers continue to face disappointment after disappointment with economic and regulatory issues, but now is not the time to bury your head in the sand.  The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is coming into fruition, and farmers need to not only be aware of how this will impact them, but getting involved in their local water agencies will be critical as plans are solidified.  Geoff Vanden Heuvel from the Milk Producers Council addressed this at the recent California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Sacramento.  Watch this brief video with Geoff and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

  • Getting the Facts Straight on Dairies

    The inaugural California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Sacramento last month was a big hit.  Conference presentations not only focused on what California dairy producers can do to increase their sustainability efforts, but also on how producers can better share their stories and correct some of the common misconceptions that have been circulating the public.  Check out this video with Frank Mitloehner, Air Quality Specialist from the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis, who shared the facts, and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.  Don’t currently receive the magazine?  Subscribe FREE today at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-dairy-magazine-subscriptions/

  • Reducing Cow Emissions with a Seaweed Diet

    Could seaweed be the saving grace California dairy producers need to meet the State’s demands in reducing methane emissions from dairy cattle 40% by 2030? Not necessarily, but check out this brief interview with Ermias Kebreab from the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis who provided an update at the inaugural California Dairy Sustainability Summit on their research that has proven a seaweed supplemented diet to reduce cow emissions. Watch the video and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.  Don’t currently receive the magazine?  Subscribe FREE today at https://malcolmmedia.com/california-dairy-magazine-subscriptions/