Co-Op Staff Hub
Resources for Co-op and Processor Staff
Dairy Conservation Navigator resources help co-op and processor staff support farmer engagement, customer reporting, program development, and environmental outcome communication.
The site provides dairy-specific information on conservation practices, implementation pathways, funding opportunities, and tools that can help translate sustainability priorities into practical on-farm action.
Key Learning Hub Courses
Continuing education modules bridging animal nutrition, manure storage operations, and soil biology dynamics.
‣ Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
‣ Carbon markets (terms and concepts)
‣ Opportunities for dairy farmers in carbon markets
Carbon Markets and Credits 101
‣ Carbon market types and structures
‣ Key players in carbon markets
‣ Process of joining a carbon market
‣ Pricing and payment models
Carbon Markets and Credits 201
‣ Greenhouse gases (GHG) basics
‣ Sources of GHGs on dairy farms
‣ Opportunities to reduce dairy farm GHGs
Dairy Farm Greenhouse Gases 101
‣ Enteric methane overview
‣ Factors that influence enteric fermentation
‣ Enteric methane mitigation strategies (current and future)
Enteric Methane Emissions
‣ Types of environmental models
‣ Value of environmental models
‣ Agricultural greenhouse gas footprint models
‣ Agricultural water quality models
Environmental Modeling
‣ Dairy supply chain on-farm conservation projects
‣ Project goals, roles, and data requirements
‣ Farmer engagement, compensation, and data ownership options
Sustainability Scope 3 Projects
Key Models Tools & Guides
Sustainable Manure Management and Impacts Tool (SuMMIT)
The Sustainable Manure Management Impacts Tool (SuMMIT) is a user-friendly life cycle assessment model developed in partnership with Sustainability Science that enables users to quickly estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions from various dairy manure collection, storage, and treatment practices.
FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V3
NMPF Industry Model Additives
Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) Model
Ruminant Farm Systems, or RuFaS, is open-source, whole-farm modeling software designed to support farmers' decision-making by prioritizing animal health, production, and efficiency.
Visit the RuFaS website or GitHub page for more information.
Key Practices and Technologies
These featured practices are meant to help users get started, but there are many more options available in the full Practice and Technology Library.
Cow Health, Comfort and Productivity
High-Efficiency Fans for Ventilation and Cooling
Variable Speed Fan Controls
Feed, Forage and Production Efficiency
Diet Reformulation Strategies: Protein Balancing
Feed Bins
Soil Health and Crop Resilience
Biochar Soil Amendment
Erosion Control: Grassed Waterways
Integrated Pest Management: Insects
Integrated Pest Management: Weeds
Interseeding Between Corn
Rotational Grazing
Water Use and Irrigation Efficiency
Nutrient Management and Water Quality
Manure Storage Facility: Geomembrane or Concrete Liners
Manure Storage: Decreasing Storage Time via Increased Manure Spreading Frequency
Nutrient Management: Accounting For Nitrogen Credits from Legumes and Manure
Nutrient Management: Apply Nutrients to Meet Realistic Yield Goals
Nutrient Management: Applying Manure on a Phosphorous Basis
Nutrient Management: Split Manure and Fertilizer Application
Manure Management and Methane Solutions
Manure Collection: Conversion from Flush to Scrape or Vacuum Systems
Manure Separation: Coarse Solid-Liquid Separation via Sloped Screens and Screw Press
Manure Separation: Fine Separation via Centrifuge and Vibrating Screen
Manure Separation: Fine Separation via Chemical Flocculation and Dewatering
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
High-Efficiency Compressors
High-Efficiency Motors
High-Efficiency Water Heaters
LED Lights
Purchasing Renewable Energy
Replacing Fossil Fuel Engines with Electric Motors or Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Engines
Variable Frequency Drives: Milk Transfer Pump
browse audience hubs for other resources
Explore resources designed to help dairy professionals understand conservation opportunities, compare options, and support practical on-farm decision-making.
Nutritionists
Veterinarians
Farmers
Conservationists
Co-Op Staff
