Newtrient cites progress on dairy manure management, nutrient recovery

Inaugural progress report looks at advances in nutrient management and manure-based products.

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Newtrient LLC has published its inaugural progress report, detailing its advancements in nutrient management, manure-based products and market-driven solutions.

"Newtrient's mission is to reduce the environmental footprint of dairy and make it economically viable to do so. Environmental and economic challenges continue to be defining issues for dairy. Newtrient's forward-thinking founding members are proud of Newtrient's rapid progress toward generating economic value from the many environmentally beneficial practices and technologies available to dairies," Newtrient chief executive officer Steven Rowe said.

More than three years ago, 14 dairy industry organizations formed Newtrient to advance this mission on behalf of America's dairy farmers. Those organizations are: Agri-Mark, Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms, Land O'Lakes, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Northwest Dairy Assn., Prairie Farms, Select Milk Producers Inc., Tillamook Dairy Co-op, United Dairymen of Arizona, Dairy Management Inc. and National Milk Producers Federation.

Barbara O'Brien, president of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, noted that Newtrient "has built a solid foundation in the emerging area of manure management and nutrient recovery. Early actions to advance innovative technologies, products and markets will have far-reaching implications on the environment, economy and communities and deliver future solutions for farmers."

"Dairy is uniquely positioned to deliver societal benefits, including improved soil health and water quality and other ecosystem benefits," added Jed Davis, director of sustainability at Cabot Creamery Cooperative.

According to the announcement, Newtrient's founding members recognize the environmental benefits that dairy farmers deliver to society, which go far beyond milk and meat. The opportunity now is to create positive, economic incentives that benefit farmers, communities and society.

Newtrient, created to reduce the environmental footprint of dairy and make it economically viable to do so, brings together farmers, industry associations, researchers, investors and technology and product developers to seize opportunities from manure and other environmentally sustainable practices.