Image via California Dairy Campaign

Managing manure is an important aspect of dairy operations, and several local dairies are receiving financial assistance from the state to do it in a more climate-smart way.

The funding comes through the Dairy Plus Program operated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture to implement advanced manure management practices that reduce methane emissions and maximize the use of nutrient inputs.

The money comes from $85 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program in 2022. About $75 million will support the implementation of advanced manure management practices.

Applications were accepted over the summer, with CDFA receiving 28 applications requesting $33.36 million in grant funds.

A dozen projects were recommended for funding this month, for a total of $14.22 million that would result in greenhouse gas reductions of 296,353 metric tons over the next five years.

Local dairies receiving funds of roughly $1.25 million each include North Dairy in Kings County; Ron Verheoven Family Dairy in Tulare County; D & V Dairy in Tulare County; Garcia Dairy in Tulare County and Sozinho Dairy #2 in Fresno County.