California Ag Network

Tag: Dairy Plus Program

  • Explore Manure Technologies Before Dairy Plus Applications Close

    Applications for CDFA’s Dairy Plus Program are open through September 14, and this is anticipated to be the final funding opportunity available to help producers implement advanced manure management technologies.

    To help producers evaluate their options and make informed decisions, CDQAP is hosting two educational events focused on manure management technologies eligible for Dairy Plus funding.

    Field Day: Advanced Separation with Flocculants System

    Thursday, July 23

    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    Lunch to follow

    Hear directly from a dairy producer and technology provider about an advanced solids separation system that uses flocculants. The field day will be held in Stanislaus County. The dairy location will be shared with registered attendees.

    Register HERE.

    Webinar: Considerations for Choosing the Right Technology for Your Farm

    Thursday, July 30

    11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    Join Dr. Deanne Meyer as she discusses the key questions producers should consider when evaluating manure management technologies and planning for long-term success on their operations.

    Register HERE. —Story by Western United Dairies

  • Dairy Plus Program Is Open for Applications

    The CDFA Dairy Plus Program is now accepting applications from California dairy producers interested in implementing projects that improve manure management and support environmental sustainability on their operations.

    Funded through a partnership between the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), CDFA, and USDA, the program provides financial assistance for on-farm projects designed to reduce emissions and address key environmental challenges facing the dairy industry.

    Producers interested in learning more about the program and application process are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming informational webinars:

    • June 25
    • July 8

    Additional program information, eligibility requirements, application materials and webinar registration details are available on the Dairy Plus Program website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/dairyplus/.

    Dairy producers considering future infrastructure or manure management improvements are encouraged to review the program resources and determine whether Dairy Plus funding may be a fit for their operation. — Story contributed by Western United Dairies

  • Water Quality Changes to Impact Central Valley Dairy Producers

    A pair of regulatory changes are coming to the Central Valley that will impact dairies and other water quality permit holders.

    One of these changes — the CV-Salts Program — is being implemented at the groundwater basin level, starting with Modesto, and has seen over a decade of involvement from Western United Dairies (WUD). According to Paul Sousa, Regulatory and Affairs Director for WUD, the change is generally positive to dairies, since it will allow more time to meet water quality standards. Similar requirements will be rolled out to other groundwater basins in the Central Valley later.

    Additionally, the State Water Board is expected to remand the Central Valley Water Board’s dairy permit. Sousa says that while this will likely bring a new set of challenges, the specifics are not yet known. Updates will come from WUD as the State Water Board releases the updated information, but Sousa added that dairies will likely have an opportunity to anticipate changes and to make and find the needed funding, as these changes often take years, and there will often be timelines for meeting the goals of the revised order.

    “Both processes will result in changes to how dairies are regulated,” Sousa wrote. “While some of these changes may present challenges, others offer added flexibility, and there are resources available to help dairies prepare.”

    One opportunity Sousa pointed to is the Dairy Plus Program, which is expected to release applications for its final round of funding this summer. More information can be found on Dairy Plus at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/dairyplus/.

  • Prepare Now to Apply for This Substantial California Dairy Funding Opportunity

    Many California dairy producers have heard of and even participated in CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program; but there is now an additional program available to California dairy producers for a considerable amount of funding known as the Dairy Plus program.  Investing in manure separators, dairy digesters or even vermifiltration wastewater treatment systems have a real positive impact on lowering a dairy’s carbon footprint; however, the cost of purchasing any one of these systems is often far out of reach for the dairy producer.  Watch this brief interview with Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies as he explains the new Dairy Plus program and how dairy producers can prepare and qualify for the funding.

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

  • Exploring Options for Safe Use and Reduction of Nitrates on Dairies

    As California dairy producers actively work to provide environmental solutions and a sustainable future for their successors, reducing nitrate contamination in the groundwater supply is a top priority.  Watch this brief interview with Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies as he shares some options, considerations, and funding opportunities.

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