I’m sure it will be a wise expense of funds. The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) has approved the authorization of $6 million on a one-time basis for the purpose of funding a three-year study on air emissions from U.S. dairy farms.
I’ve always been of the opinion that agricultural operations have a particular fragrance and it’s only to be expected. This past week I visited an agricultural advertising agency and as I got out of the car to go inside there was a very pungent smell from what had to be a livestock operation somewhere nearby. I complimented the staff since it seemed so appropriate for the type of business they cater to.
I’m curious about what the impact of having air emission standards for a dairy would be. What would they even be and how would you control or measure them? I guess that’s what they want to find out.
“Upon careful consideration and discussion, dairy producer directors of the NDB voted to fund this study, understanding that this research will be instrumental in developing the air emissions standards that could affect all dairy farms,” said Woody Bryant, an Arkansas dairy producer who is NDB chairman. Last fall Congress authorized the NDB to consider this measure, noting that the funds would need to be spent in 2006.
National Milk Producers Federation will work with the Agricultural Air Research Council (AARC), a non-profit organization formed to oversee research in air emissions from livestock operations, to ensure that the research achieves its stated goals related to dairy farm emissions. NDB will receive regular reports on the progress of the air emissions study.
“The allocation of these funds will not have a direct impact on 2006 dairy promotion programs,” Bryant said.