Celebrate Earth Day the Dairy Farmer Way
To most Americans, Earth Day is an annual reminder on April 22 to go green and protect our planet. Florida’s dairy farmers, on the other hand, celebrate Earth Day all year long to ensure that their land and animals are taken care of, and that the foods we consume are safe and nutritious. Our farmers’ focus and commitment to sustainability gives back to their cows, the community and the earth.
Did you know that dairy farmers are efficient recyclers? Their recycling practices help lead to lower energy costs, healthier milk and a greener pasture for grazing. Many farm owners recycle cow manure and reuse it as a fertilizer that is all-natural and healthy for their land. Farmers aren’t the only ones who play a large part in making our Earth greener; the cows play a vital role in the recycling process as well. Cows are fed byproducts of other agricultural industries that would otherwise go to waste such as citrus pulp, cottonseed, soybean meal and distiller’s grains. These byproducts are recycled for good use and add an extra kick of nutrition to the milk cows produce.
Another important recycled product on the dairy farm is water. Not only is water essential to hydrate the land, but it’s also important for cows to drink. Water is a key factor in cows producing nutrient-rich milk. Milk has the potential to leave a cow’s body at almost 101 degrees, but consuming water helps cool it down to 65 degrees. This leads to lower energy costs because 65 degrees is halfway to the average temperature milk is cooled to when moved to refrigerated tankers.
Within the last 60 years, dairy has had quite a positive impact on the environment. Dairy farm families are committed to creating innovative ideas that are globally sustainable, but do not stray from providing products that are nutritious and economically sound for their consumers. The worth of today’s gallon of milk has meant more to Mother Earth than ever before. That gallon of milk in your fridge was produced with 65 percent less water, 90 percent less land and a 63 percent smaller carbon footprint than in the 1940s. Dairy farmers consistently maintain the motto, “reduce, reuse and recycle” and pass it on to future generations.
Just like farmers, consumers can do their part to help the environment too. Incorporate recycling into your lifestyle and our Earth will thank you with cleaner air to breathe and healthier food to consume. Check out these fun ways to recycle used milk jugs into a game for your kids and even a place to grow plants!
Agriculture, and particularly dairy farming, truly does have a great impact on our environment. With the understanding of how important recycling is, dairy farmers seek to leave a legacy of sustainability. A greener earth is a happier earth and healthier cows are happier cows, which means nutritious and delicious milk for you! What better way to sustain a healthy lifestyle than to consume dairy, nature’s most perfect food?