Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy

Environmental Stewardship

Committed to responsibly producing nutritious foods while protecting natural resources, the dairy community works to contribute to a healthy planet. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy brings stakeholders together across field, farm, and processor levels to advance science-based solutions that drive environmental progress and support long-term sustainability.

2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals

The U.S. dairy industry came together to set bold, measurable goals that track progress and demonstrate dairy’s commitment to a sustainable future. Partnerships and collaboration on farm, in field, and at processing sites are paving the way for the dairy industry to meet its collective 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals.

By 2050, U.S. dairy collectively aspires to:

  • Achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality
  • Optimize water use while maximizing recycling
  • Improve water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients

In 2025, the industry issued its first report against the goals.

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Advancing Environmental Stewardship

U.S. dairy is advancing toward its 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals through measurable action across emissions, ecosystem health, and resource use. Learn more about how the industry is making progress—and how it supports partners in doing the same.

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Tools for Progress

The 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals are backed by science, partnerships, and practical support.

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