Farmers who came to the 2025 Dairy Sustainability Alliance Fall Meeting did not travel to hear theories. They wanted workable tools, proof points and honest dialogue about how sustainable practices can work for them and deliver a return on investment (ROI).

Progressive Dairy connected with Demetrio Bautista Ortiz, a hoof care consultant with Save Cows Network, to discuss on-farm training, employee engagement and creating a support network for improved hoof health on U.S. dairy farms.

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In 2014, a bold vision took shape in Blairstown, Iowa, to build a dairy farm with the goal of creating a modern, efficient cow capable of excelling in freestall environments with few health issues and high feed efficiency. That idea became GenoSource LLC, which stands as a testament to vision, persistence and the power of collaboration.

The cow retirement centers in Nepal are an example in which both people and wildlife can mutually benefit, and in which conservation can be an economic boon. Personally, I’m glad to see nature’s dead wagon back in action again, and even making the farmer a little pocket cash.

Some people are happy to have the old year behind them and to have the start of a new one. Some people are happy for the first day of the new year and then, as one woman said, “It’s back to the same old grind.” I can relate.

Happy New Year! Throw the confetti. Blow the whistles. Kiss your sweetheart. The old man of 2025 hobbles out the door and the new infant year leaps in with vigor and hope.