WASHINGTON — A new $1.3 million research partnership aims not only to advance the health of dairy cows, but also fortify the economic viability of the United States dairy industry and improve environmental outcomes.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Zoetis established the Dairy Health, Efficiency & Resource Dynamics (HERD) Initiative.

FFAR shared that it is accepting research proposals for projects that may last up to two years, with requests ranging between $500,000 and $1 million.

The organizers behind the Dairy HERD Initiative said it will advance research on positive impacts, such as economic and environmental outcomes, associated with disease prevention and herd management. Furthermore, the outcomes are expected to support the US dairy industry’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals that address reducing emissions, optimizing water use and recycling, and improving water quality.

Part of the initiative also involves getting results to dairy farmers and other stakeholders through existing models and support tools that help them increase farm efficiency and profitability.

FFAR, DMI and animal health manufacturer Zoetis noted that improved farming practices led to 30% less water, 21% less land and a 19% smaller carbon footprint being involved in the production of a gallon of milk in 2017, compared to 2007.

DMI senior vice president, environmental research strategy and group lead, Dr. Tim Kurt said dairy farmers know the importance of cow health.

“Quantifying the positive environmental outcomes of improved animal health will enable farmers to demonstrate improvement and access emerging ecosystem service markets or other financial incentives,” Kurt said.

FFAR scientific program director Dr. Jasmine Bruno said: “This research initiative will not only help to increase profitability for farmers but also support the dairy industry in achieving their stewardship objectives.”

The Dairy Herd Initiative is accepting pre-applications through June 11. More details are available online at FFAR’s website.