All farming has an impact on the environment, but dairy farmers are proactive in managing the environmental impact of farming and have made significant efforts to preserve and protect the land.

Dairy farmers are proactive in managing the environmental impact of farming. In doing so, they're helping to protect the land for future generations as well as ensuring the sustainability of their business.

Australian dairy farmers undertake ongoing practices to reduce their environmental footprint including fencing-off waterways to improve water quality, fertiliser and manure management to reduce nutrient runoff, managing land for conservation and biodiversity, and managing weeds. Efficient irrigation practices and recycling water used in dairy operations also contribute to better outcomes for the environment.

These practices are monitored through the periodic Natural Resource Management (NRM) survey undertaken with dairy farmers. A range of industry programs have been developed to support farmers to address any issues they are having in managing their environmental footprint.

The broader dairy industry also has a responsibility to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in both the farm and manufacturing sectors.

Agriculture accounts for approximately 13% of Australia's total GHGs, and emissions from the dairy industry as a whole represent 12.5% of this, which is 1.63% of total Australian GHG emissions.

The greatest impact on GHG emissions from the dairy sector is from farms and specifically animal methane emissions, representing energy losses from the digestive process.

The Australian dairy industry has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% across the whole industry by 2030 (from the 2015 baseline).

Find out more about the industry's commitments to reducing its environmental impact.

Resources

Dairying For Tomorrow