As herd sizes grow, dairies’ systems are put to the test, often revealing where adjustments can unlock greater efficiency and consistency. More cows mean more manure, more bedding and more volume moving through systems that may not have been designed for that load.

Sand is the ideal dairy bedding source, but it is not always feasible for every farm. Recycled manure solids can be a viable alternative for a mix of practical, economic and operational reasons.

What opportunities are available to create more value from dairy waste? For three individuals, creating more value lay in what was available to them and the relationships they were willing to build with neighbors and industry stakeholders.