Dairy Environmental Systems (DES)

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 manure 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.

What's New

Webinar: Carbon accounting and enhancement opportunities for dairy manure anaerobic digestion (AD) systems

December 14, 2023

In this webinar, attendees learned about the carbon accounting of dairy manure anaerobic digestion (AD) to renewable natural gas (RNG) systems that are being implemented in New York through California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

Access the webinar recording

Anaerobic digester on a dairy farm — Manure anaerobic digester vessel and biogas energy equipment

Contact Our Team

Jason Oliver

Senior Extension Associate and Dairy Environmental Systems Engineer

PRO-DAIRY

Animal Science

Jason Oliver

jpo53 [at] cornell.edu

Lauren Ray

Agricultural Sustainability and Energy Engineer

PRO-DAIRY

Animal Science

Lauren Ray

(607) 351-2151
ler25 [at] cornell.edu

Peter Wright

Agricultural Engineer

PRO-DAIRY

Animal Science

Peter Wright

(585) 314-5314
pew2 [at] cornell.edu

Kayli Tolk

she/they

Dairy Environmental Technician

PRO-DAIRY

Animal Science

Kayli Tolk

(605) 838-5211
kt637 [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