Canadian dairy producers Ben Loewith and J.P. Brouwer share what they do to ensure their farms' sustainability goals are met, all while enhancing farm profitability. 

“With a bit of hope, there will be a future for future generations and our businesses will be sustainable, as much for the soil and the waterways as for the planet." – Sébastien Brown

Held Nov. 29-30, this year’s event focused on the past 20 years of dairy. The first day included two farm tours and a welcome dinner, while the second day featured formal presentations on topics ranging from precision feeding and on-farm technology to the evolving carbon credit and dairy markets.

There are several sustainability programs available for producers to adapt on their farms to receive carbon credits or some other incentive payment in return.

Globally, Canadian dairy farmers are at the forefront of sustainable milk production as they continually work to lessen their environmental impact and improve the health of the industry for generations to come.

Cow comfort and sustainability are probably two of the biggest buzz words right now in the dairy industry.

Instead of the dairy farmer focusing on growing, harvesting and feeding rations, the focus changes to growing and managing pastures and controlling the cows’ utilization of those pastures with the goal to optimize cow nutrition, pasture quality, pasture yield and overall soil health.

There’s a lot of buzz around renewable natural gas (RNG) as a means for dairy farmers to diversify revenue while improving their carbon footprints. For many operators, it can be a particularly attractive option, especially given the current market and economic conditions.