calfs in the calf barn near a food trough

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 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

Senior Extension Associate

PRO-DAIRY

jpo53 [at] cornell.edu

Agricultural Sustainability and Energy Engineer

PRO-DAIRY

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

Angela George

Dairy Environmental Specialist

PRO-DAIRY

Animal Science

ag2292 [at] cornell.edu

Agricultural Engineer

PRO-DAIRY

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

Current Projects

Manure injector in corn field.

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