The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING DEER RUN DAIRY'S COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
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HON. MIKE GALLAGHER
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 19, 2022
Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Deer Run Dairy for receiving national recognition for their comprehensive approach to sustainability.
The farm's recognition is part of the 11th Annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. These awards aim to recognize dairy farms, businesses and collaborative partnerships that demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous improvement in the area of sustainability, as well as a commitment to informing others on the advancing approaches to dairy sustainability.
Deer Run Dairy originated in 1984, when the Ducat family purchased the property along with 70 cows. Step-by-step, they worked to expand the farm and eventually combined their operation with that of Dale Bogart, who shared similar goals. The Ducats and Bogart spent three years searching for the ideal space to combine their operations and grow. In 2007 they did just that; and in the Fall of 2008, they started milking 750 cows at Deer Run Dairy. Today, they milk approximately 1,650 cows and manage 2,500 acres, along with being a leading advocate for sustainability in the dairy community.
Deer Run Dairy faces unique challenges related to having shallow soil and being in close proximity to Lake Michigan. The Dairy has met these challenges through implementing conservation farming practices that build healthy soils and protect waterways. One example of this is their firm belief in the use of cover crops, in which they achieved their goal to seed 100 percent of their cropland by the fall of 2021.
Through the use of an anaerobic digester, they also reduce pathogens in manure by a thousandfold. The digester produces useful byproducts, such as animal bedding and nutrient-rich fertilizer, and was also converted to produce renewable natural gas for the transportation market. Additionally, they use minimal antibiotics, conduct feeding trials to reduce methane gas production in the rumen of their cows, cross-ventilate their barns with fans that conserve energy; and they host field days to show off these practices in action and share the benefits of sustainability. As a demonstration farm within the Door and Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network and leader in the Peninsula Pride Farms producer-led group, the farm hosts field days to exhibit these practices in action and share the benefits of sustainability.
Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Deer Run Dairy on receiving the Dairy Sustainability Award and for all their efforts in advancing sustainable agriculture.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 137(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 137(2)
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