Dairy Research Institute

The dri sustainability program is committed to supporting scientific research aimed at understanding, measuring and improving the environmental impact of Dairy operations. Sustainability research focuses on greenhouse gases emission reduction opportuniities, life cycle assessments, water use efficiency and water quality, sustainability measurement and reporting, and technology transfer and knowledge sharing to improve farm advisor access to Science based technical resources. In 2021, we launched the "Dairy soil and water regeneration" project, a research collaboration with Dairy management Inc (dmi) and external organizations that seeks to quantify how certain practices improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water quality. Another initiative, "Dairy scale for good", also working with dmi and external research organizations, establishes pilot farms across the united states to test and implement sustainable technologies and practices within the Dairy industry. "Dairy scale for good" emphasizes education, providing the Dairy industry with practical and efficient solutions to achieve their ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050. These initiatives serve the public interest by promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change and protecting water resources.

Listeria research consortium - the goal of this research program is to prevent foodborne illness by identifying new tools to control listeria in Dairy foods and Dairy manufacturing facilities. Dri leads a group including Dairy companies and the national Dairy council whose experts identify and fund longer term research in listeria fundementals, antimicrobials, microbiome, and environmental controls.