A Climate Roadmap for Washington State Dairy

A Climate Roadmap for Washington State Dairy presents practical, voluntary strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy production while maintaining farm profitability and environmental stewardship. Developed through on-farm assessments, data analysis, and collaboration with industry and agency partners, the roadmap focuses on near-term opportunities achievable within the next two to five years.

The report identifies major emission sources on Washington dairies—enteric fermentation, manure management, feed production, and energy use—and evaluates practices that can reduce emissions or improve efficiency within each category. It emphasizes two complementary approaches: reducing total emissions through targeted management and technology changes, and improving productivity to lower emissions per unit of milk produced.

Recognizing the diversity of dairy operations, the roadmap avoids one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it provides region-, size-, and system-specific recommendations for eastside, westside, and organic dairies. Many practices also deliver co-benefits, including improved water and air quality, soil health, animal well-being, and farm resilience, supporting long-term sustainability across Washington’s dairy sector.