Professional Dairy Producers Launches Tier 2 of Your Farm – Your Footprint Initiative

Cost-share now available to improve on-farm sustainability for dairy farmers

JUNEAU, Wis. – Dairy farmers looking to enhance their farm efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental sustainability now have an opportunity to access financial support through Tier 2 of the Your Farm – Your Footprint™ initiative.

Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), in collaboration with Dairy’s Foundation, is introducing Tier 2 as the next step in this non-governmental, producer-led environmental-sustainability program. Building upon the core principles established in Tier 1, which provided dairy farmers with a confidential carbon-footprint assessment, Tier 2 offers financial incentives for implementing sustainability-focused farming practices.

Your Farm – Your Footprint Tier 2 benefits include:

  • Cost-share funding – Eligible dairy farmers in specific milk sheds can receive financial assistance for adopting best practices that improve farm sustainability and operational efficiency.
  • Confidential and farmer-led – As with Tier 1, all farm data remains private, ensuring producers retain full control over their information.
  • Peer groups – Opportunities to engage with fellow producers in a peer group to share insights and best practices.
  • Sustainable dairy industry – Made possible by Dairy’s Foundation and sponsorship from Nestlé, this initiative furthers the commitment toward achieving of U.S. dairy’s sustainability goals.

“Tier 2 of Your Farm – Your Footprint is another exciting step forward in empowering dairy producers with practical, science-based solutions that not only enhance sustainability but also strengthen their bottom line,” said John Haag, dairy farmer from Dane, Wis., and president of PDP. “With cost-share opportunities now available, farmers have a real opportunity to implement changes that will drive efficiencies and long-term success. It’s a great way to get your wish list for sustainability projects addressed. Farmers know their own farms best as well as what it will take to take the next step forward. This opportunity helps accelerate the progress.”

Nestlé’s Commitment to Sustainable Dairy
As a program sponsor, Nestlé’s involvement highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration in achieving meaningful environmental progress. “We believe every farmer should have the tools and resources to measure and reduce their farm’s carbon footprint,” said Daniel Peerless, Nestlé’s Global Dairy Sustainable Sourcing Lead. “By supporting this initiative, we are reinforcing our commitment to a more sustainable dairy supply chain.”

Nestlé is one of the world’s leading users of milk for consumer food products and is committed to supporting dairy farmers in reducing emissions as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Visit www.nestle.com to learn more.

Dairy’s Foundation: Investing in the Future of Dairy
Dairy’s Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting dairy education and sustainability initiatives like Your Farm – Your Footprint. “Our mission is to ensure a professional, proactive and prepared dairy sector,” said Brian Forrest, dairy farmer and chairperson for Dairy’s Foundation. “By funding programs like this, we are helping producers implement real-world solutions that drive continuous improvement.”

Dairy’s Foundation raises funds and awards grants to support educational initiatives that build a sustainable and thriving dairy industry. Learn more at www.dairyfoundation.org.

How to Get Involved
Dairy farmers interested in Tier 2 Your Farm – Your Footprint opportunities can learn more by visiting www.pdpw.org or by contacting PDP at 800-947-7379.

Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.

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