2023 December Board Book

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

2024 – 2026 Piloting Dairy Manure Subsurface Drip Irrigation System for Almonds and Processed Tomatoes Project Lead: John Cardoza, Sustainable Conservation

2024 Budget: $67,000; CMAB REQUEST $50,250 ( 2025 Budget: $67,000; 2026 Budget: $66,000)

Background: The San Joaquin Valley is home to California’s most productive farming operations. This region accounts for over half of California’s agricultural output, led by a $7.5 billion dairy industry and a $5 billion almond industry. Decades of intensive farming has led to a multi-faceted predicament of fertilizer management and environmental impacts. Crop production is reliant on carbon- intensive synthetic fertilizers that have potential to degrade groundwater; and some dairies produce more manure than they can effectively utilize. Dairy manure is a valuable fertilizer and soil amendment that can be applied to cropland to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizer and improve soil health. The project proposes to adapt this innovative sub-surface drip irrigation system using recycled dairy manure to fertilize almonds and processed tomatoes. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate an innovative technology that will link dairy and crops through nutrient recycling, drive demand for dairy manure, and deliver environmental, production, and economic benefits to each supply chain. Industry Benefit: Compared to flood irrigation, this system could enable dairies to grow feed for their cows with up to 36% less water, 45% less nitrogen, 70% fewer irrigation-related greenhouse gas emissions. If successfully adapted to human-consumed crops, the system could be a valuable tool to address surplus dairy manure through increasing the number of acres available to apply dairy effluent. This would also increase the value of dairy nutrients, reduce the use of commercial nitrogen fertilizer, improve soil health, mitigate environmental impact of dairy nutrients, and support climate-resilient agriculture in California. 2024 Dairy Cares (Communications Support)* Project Lead: Michael Boccadoro 2024 Budget: $275,000; CMAB REQUEST $206,250 *Dairy Cares Coalition is funded by contributing members. CDRF funds are used for critical communications support. CDRF has a seat on the Dairy Cares board of directors . Background: Since 2001, Dairy Cares has worked to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s farming families through strategic communication efforts. Dairy Cares’ communications have increased awareness and understanding of California dairy farmers’ leadership in developing and implementing planet- smart, sustainable farming practices. Dairy Cares is helping the industry address methane emission challenges, fast approaching water regulations, and rising labor and energy costs, all while optimizing cow health and comfort. Dairy Cares continues to partner with leading academic and researchers to strengthen the credibility