Sustainable Practices

Dairy farmers strive to find new ways of ensuring a sustainable environment, which is important to the success of their dairies.

Waste management

In following state and federal regulations, Oregon dairy farmers develop Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans that protect the environment, prevent discharge into waterways, and improve soil fertility. Animal waste management regulations apply to all dairy farms both large and small.

Nutrient management refers to farmers' use of animal waste to fertilize pastures and fields. Dairy farmers also have developed innovative ways to handle waste, such as composting, which destroys any harmful bacteria as the waste dries. In Oregon, processed dried manure is sometimes sold as compost to landscaping operations or nurseries.

Creeks and streams

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) works with dairy farmers throughout the state to develop water quality management plans. Under these plans, vegetation is allowed to grow near streams to provide shade to fish habitat and help prevent soil erosion.

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board offers grants that can pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of replacing culverts and tide gates – both of which affect the health of streams around dairy farms.

Dairy farmers also use small sections of land planted with grass and trees as an effective tool for preventing animal waste from entering streams and other bodies of water. This is particularly important in Western Oregon, which has areas of heavy rainfall.

Environmental inspectors from ODA also visit farms periodically—and without notice--to help make sure environmental guidelines are being followed.