The dairy industry is not only a massive part of agriculture, but also a critical part of the U.S. economy and our nation’s food security.

The University of Idaho’s CAFE Project will provide a major boost, as the nation’s largest research dairy is on track to be up and running next spring. This high-tech facility will comprehensively cover major facets of the dairy industry, to help quantify and ensure healthy, productive herds.

“From an environmental perspective, this facility is going to be critical,” remarked Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. “This will demonstrate to the public that what we do in the U.S. and Idaho dairies industries is protective of the environment, and that we are good stewards of the land, air and water.”

The research dairy will also look at cow nutrition as well as analyzing and working with manure to make it more of a marketable crop input.

Mireille Chahine of the University of Idaho said research dairy will provide an incredible amount of data, with health and nutrition key focal points.

“This is where the fit bit or smart watch type of technology will be used in this facility,” she said. “Here, the cow will wear a kind of a smart watch to know how many steps she’s taking a day, whether she’s in heat, whether we need to inseminate her, whether she’s getting sick. We would have the capability of knowing that that cow will have symptoms in three to four days in the future, which is amazing because we can separate her, call the veterinarian, look at her ration, ensure she is well taken care of, because animal welfare is a priority for us.”

“We like to eat well and dairy is a big part of that,” said Redox CEO, Darin Moon. “We don’t want it to reduce or go away. We want it to become more efficient and more visible, so that people can actually see what a great and incredible industry this is.”

Redox is among a host of private and governmental organizations that have provided significant contributions to make the research dairy a reality.

The average U.S. grower is over 58 years of age. The number of family farms in America is shrinking. For health and the well-being of our country, we need a strong contribution from the next generation. Fortunately, there’s a growing number of talented younger people getting involved.

Allisen Carmichael, Director of Operations with Sierra Pacific Farms in Ventura County in Southern California oversees day to day operations of their management of citrus and avocado orchards.

She said they take a regenerative approach to farming, with an emphasis on healthy soil.

“The best thing we can do to combat Mother Nature is to be prepared for it,” she remarked. “If we have healthy trees, then we are put in a better position to avoid as much crop loss as possible.”

Carmichael said Redox products are part of their crop nutrition, adding “they are high quality and help us enhance our plant’s ability to uptake nutrients.”