By Jamie Martin
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Zoetis, has announced the launch of the $1.3 million Dairy Health, Efficiency & Resource Dynamics (Dairy HERD) Initiative.
The program is aimed at improving dairy herd health, ensuring economic sustainability, and achieving key environmental goals.
The Dairy HERD Initiative supports research that highlights the connection between herd management and improved economic and environmental results.
It focuses on disease prevention, animal welfare, and resource efficiency, helping the dairy sector meet its 2050 environmental stewardship goals.
These goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water quality, and optimizing resource use.
“Animal health and welfare are top priorities for producers and consumers,” the program’s announcement highlights, “and research on disease prevention and herd management is key to supporting environmental and economic outcomes.”
FFAR is now accepting applications for research projects that will run up to two years. Funding ranges from $500,000 to $1 million per project. While matching funds are already secured, additional support is encouraged.
The initiative is open to domestic and international applicants, including universities, nonprofits, private businesses, and government-affiliated research agencies.
Selected projects will contribute to decision support tools and models that can be used by farmers to improve farm operations, boost profitability, and protect natural resources.
For complete details and application instructions, visit the FFAR website.
Applications must align with the program’s focus on practical research that benefits the U.S. dairy industry and supports its long-term sustainability.
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