Where do you see the future of dairy sustainability given your experience this summer and your background in farming?
Farms that value sustainability, especially those that are participating in the NMSP case study, are on the right track. Sustainability is tough because it includes balancing social, economic and environmental viability. I saw a few farms that process their own milk and sell it locally. It would be nice to see more of that, especially as part of a community-supported ag (CSA) system. I think that could be a sustainable model in some areas.
How do you think we can move towards sustainability in dairy farming?
More on-farm research, such as the kind of studies conducted by the NMSP, to develop and test sustainable solutions would be ideal. I think more research needs to be done on the cow side of the equation, which is why connecting with farmers through outreach and extension is so necessary.
Blending research and extension keeps science connected to real-world practices, which is so important when thinking about helping farmers in the dairy industry seek sustainable solutions.
It’s critical to get consumers and farmers to communicate effectively with each other. Communication would help consumers understand the challenges farmers face as they strive to improve farm sustainability, and it would help farmers understand why certain practices are not socially acceptable to consumers.
It’s important for everyone to understand the economic factor to sustainability. Farmers need to balance social and environmental improvements with profit to support themselves, their families, and their communities. Keeping this balance in mind will help ensure sustainability benefits everyone.
Catherine Andreadis '22 is a student writer for the Cornell CALS Department of Animal Science.