This team will lay the groundwork to create a new and accessible “Grass-Fed Dairy Standard” designed to increase the adoption of managed grazing systems across the Great Lakes Basin. This design project will address barriers posed by existing certifications, which often create challenges for producers, and set the stage for a scalable alternative that improves water quality, soil health, and ecosystem sustainability.

Managed grazing of perennial pastures offers significant benefits: it reduces agricultural runoff, enhances soil health, and improves farm profitability. However, current certifications frequently require rigid adherence to 100% grass-fed or organic practices, which can be impractical for many dairy producers. The goal of this new standard is to provide a more inclusive and realistic pathway for diverse dairy operations, while maintaining both environmental integrity and market credibility.

During this phase, the Dairy Grazing Alliance will collaborate with dairy producers, scientific advisors, brand leaders, and other stakeholders to map out the process for creating the standard. Through workshops, interviews, and facilitated discussions, the team will ensure the framework aligns with market needs, delivers environmental benefits, and is practical for widespread adoption.