Dairy Farming
Dairy farmers care about their farms, their animals and the land they work. Environmental practices on dairy farms are regulated by both federal and state agencies. Not only do farmers consistently meet these regulations, but dairy farmers constantly work to improve sustainability practices.
Dairy cows need barns. Cows enjoy the dry, cool environments that barns provide. Cows must rest to digest their food, so dairy farmers fill barns with various bedding materials. Cows are free to roam the barn, including eating and drinking when they please, so barns are cleaned daily.
Today, farmers produce less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than they did even 20 years ago. All agriculture produces 9% of GHG emissions in the US. Animal agriculture, which includes dairy, produces 3.9% of emissions. The dairy industry accounts for only 2% of total emissions in the United States.