Country background:

USA is not only the leading industrial and financial country in the world; it is also a leading agricultural producer. Its size with climate going from temperate to subtropical and arid allows most crops and animals. USA is also leading in research and development in agriculture.

USA is with its nine million cows and less than 60.000 dairy farms the worlds biggest cow milk producer. The annual average yield is 8.500kg/cow and more than 1.000 tons of milk per farm. The development over time has pushed yield/cow and herd size upwards.

The country is self-sufficient in dairy with a small annual export surplus.

The large and increasing herd sizes have caused concerns regarding pollution from manure and difficulties in approvals for new facilities by people living in the area due to smell and water contamination.

Increased energy prices and a growing concern for green house gas emissions begin to have an impact on dairy farming.

With a growing urban population having no contacts with the fewer, larger and more remote dairy farms, there are increasing concerns for animal welfare raised by various animal rights and vegan movements.

Similarly yield increases caused by biotechnology like bSt, GMO and antibiotics in feed are being questioned.

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“Most importantly, sustainability means being able to stay in business and pass the farm to the next generation. If that doesn’t happen, the most environmentally progressive practices are worthless” -John Fiscalini
Read the interview with John Fiscalini at Fiscalini Farms, CA

"The opportunities in sustainability lie in keeping the eye on this ball. As we make any investments, if we can make those decisions through the lens of sustainability, we will be rewarded in the long term." -John Noble
Read the article about Noblehurst Farms, NY >>

"I think that when this global economic crisis is behind us there will be a renewed consumer demand for products that can mathematically and scientifically be proven to be more sustainable. I am also finding cost savings in energy consumption that will pay dividends for years to come." -John Vrieze
Read the interview with John Vrieze at Vrieze Farms, WI >>