Gilmer Dairy Farm News

Our Land is Your Land: Dairy farm families continue a tradition of environmentalism (original press release written by Amanda Trice of Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA), Atlanta, GA, April 2008)

Dairy farmers across the Southeast use technologies to conserve air, water and soil. Most dairy farmers live and work on their farms, so nothing is more important to them than protecting the air they breathe and water they drink. A farmer’s land is home, so it’s extremely important for them to protect the land for their families and for future generations. 

"When I think about all the hard work and effort put forth by past generations to make our land productive for farming, I can't help but see myself as a steward of the land," said Alabama dairyman David Gilmer.  "Out of respect to those who've come before us and those who will follow, it is our responsibility not only to maintain the land but to improve it as well.  Taking care of what we've been given is even more important since we live on the very land that we work."

Environmental practices on dairy farms are tightly regulated by federal and state agencies. Dairy farmers must receive a permit to produce Grade A milk from state agencies, and waste water discharge permits are needed from state environmental agencies and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. These permits regulate the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and liquid manure. 

Dairy cow manure applied to land helps conserve water resources. Research shows the water-holding capacity of soil is increased by 20 percent when manure is used as a soil amendment. Waste management is a high priority for dairy farmers and they use water responsibly in their milking parlors, in dairy waste storage and in applying effluent to the land. Dairy farmers are committed to being good stewards of the environment and providing safe and wholesome dairy products.
 
"Using our dairy waste efficiently is good for both the environment and our bottom-line," said Will Gilmer, David's son and partner. "The nutrients in the manure allow us to replace some of the commercially manufactured fertilizer needed to grow our crops and provides much needed moisture to the soil in the summertime.  It also holds great potential as an energy source.  Over time, I expect technology to develop to the point where it will be cost-efficient for small farms such as ours to capture the methane from the waste and convert it into electricity.  For my son to have the same opportunities I've had, it's important that we be as efficient with what we have and conserve as many of our natural resources as possible." 
 
The Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA) represents farmers in nine Southeast states including VA, NC, SC, KY, TN, GA, AL, MS, LA. If you are interested in interviewing a dairy farmer in your state please contact Amanda Trice at 1-800-343-4693 or atrice@sudiainc.com