Dairy farmers face constant challenges—from maintaining healthy soil to managing water quality and reducing their environmental impact. What if innovative solutions could make their work easier while also benefiting the planet? Dr. Mara Cloutier, Research soil scientist and project manager at the soil health institute shares how the Dairy Soil and Water Regeneration Project is tackling these questions head-on, bringing cutting-edge research and practical strategies to farms nationwide.

“This project was inspired by an assessment from Dairy Management Inc.,” Dr. Cloutier explained. “It identified forage production as an area with limited data but significant potential to reduce emissions.”

The project focuses on soil health, carbon storage, and water quality, aligning with the dairy industry’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals. Researchers are studying innovative manure management practices, including Cedron, a solid manure product concentrated in phosphorus, and liquid waste removal systems. These methods could offer sustainable solutions for farmers across different climates and soil types.