Dairy Environmental Systems (DES) works closely with members of our PRO-DAIRY multidisciplinary team, along with select NYS, US, and international dairy industry leaders to identify, develop, document, and introduce innovative methods in dairy waste management/treatment and energy systems targeted to enhance animal well-being, system efficiency, environmental compliance, and overall farm profitability. These efforts are accomplished with the overall goal to better position dairy producers and their advisors to make informed business decisions to further individual farm and industry-wide growth and sustainability.
Conduct industry applied research
to further understanding and development of dairy waste management and treatment systems, including anaerobic digestion and air emissions
Monitor relevant research and extension work
performed by national and international counterparts
Communicate findings
- Deliver on-farm training and demonstrations of new technologies
- Develop written, oral, and web-based materials
- Provide educational programs in collaboration with county and regional Cornell Cooperative Extension employees and agriservice and agribusiness entities
Explore Environmental Systems
Contact Our Team
- jpo53 [at] cornell.edu
- (607) 351-2151
- ler25 [at] cornell.edu
- ag2292 [at] cornell.edu
- (585) 314-5314
- pew2 [at] cornell.edu
Current Projects

Development and Characterization of System Solutions to New York’s Dairy Manure Management Challenges
- 10/1/2019 – 9/30/2023
- Sponsored by USDA-NIFA via Cornell CALS Hatch and Smith Lever funds
Food for AD: Food Scraps Law Impact on Farms and Processors
- 9/1/2020 – 8/31/2023
- Sponsored by New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC)
Strategies to Maximize Potential Value of On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion
- 8/1/2020 – 7/31/2023
- Sponsored by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
Economic Feasibility Case Study of Co-Digestion of Manure and Food Waste on a Northern New York Dairy Farm
- 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2023
- Sponsored by Northern New York Agricultural Development Program
Methane and Nitrous Oxide Measurement on New York State Dairy Farms and Manure Systems
- 7/1/2022 – 12/31/2026
- Sponsored by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM)
Economic Feasibility Analysis of Dairy Farm Co-Digestion of Manure and Food Waste
- 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2024
- Sponsored by New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI)
Applicability and roll out of Covered Manure Storages with Flaring Systems
- 2/1/2023 – 4/30/2023
- Sponsored by Nestle SA