Study: Keeping Dairy Cows Outside Year-Round Good for Environment

A well-managed dairy herd kept outdoors year-round left a carbon footprint 6 percent smaller than that of a high-producing dairy herd kept in barns, according to researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The study used a computer program that simulates the major biological and physical processes and interactions of a crop, beef or dairy farm. Data was collected on grazing systems and manure management, and their effects on nutrient loss to the environment. The data was used on four different farm models to evaluate the environmental dynamics of four different dairy farms in all types of weather over 25 years. Learn more.