The Dairy Network Partnership Developing a Sustainable Dairy Industry for the Next Century

Atlantic Dairy Cooperative 1225 Industrial Highway, PO Box 127 Southhampton, PA 18966-0127 215/322/0200 215/322-8790 (Fax) Contact Person: Laura England

Summary of Program

Shared concern for our water resources has brought the Atlantic Dairy Cooperative together with the Rodale Institute, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Pennsylvania State University, and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Together, as the Dairy Network Partnership, these groups are investigating nonregulatory approaches to reducing water pollution stemming from dairy farms. Funding for this project has been provided by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the USEPA.

The Dairy Network Partnership is exploring new ideas that have the potential to improve water quality in Pennsylvania's southeast region and enhance the economic viability of the region's dairy farms. The Partnership is focusing on the following areas: cost/benefit analyses of farming practices, expansion and revision of cost- share programs, whole farm evaluation, farm-based education and stewardship recognition.

Possible cost/benefit analysis will focus on providing to dairy farmers credible information on costs and benefits associated with different farming practices and systems (e.g., intensive rotational grazing). The actions to be taken on cost-share programs focus on broadening existing programs to increase the rate of implementation of stewardship that will help farmers prioritize environmental improvements. Farm-based education efforts will encourage the implementation of stewardship practices through on farm demonstrations highlighting practices that may improve the economic viability of the dairy farm.

To accomplish this ambitious work plan, the Partnership is looking to dairy farmers and other stakeholders in the dairy industry for assistance and support. For example, Atlantic Dairy Cooperative members will be asked to share their experiences employing stewardship practices through educational meetings or on-farm demonstrations.

Membership in the Dairy Network is open to dairy farmers, stakeholders in the dairy industry and anyone concerned about agriculture and environment. Dairy Network Partners will: have access to resources developed by the Partnership, share farming experiences, hear from others in the dairy industry and participate in educational meetings, and on-farm demonstrations.

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