GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS – Colorado State University's AgNext and regional dairy council Dairy MAX announced a strategic alliance as part of a continued commitment to improve sustainability in animal agriculture. The collaboration with Dairy MAX marks AgNext's first official commitment from the dairy industry. Dairy MAX has agreed to support strategic initiatives of the AgNext program, continuing its work of advancing sustainable dairy production and raising up the next generation.

"We are excited to work collaboratively with Dairy MAX and its farmers on the advancement of cutting-edge technology development and innovative management strategies that continue driving the dairy industry toward sustainable outcomes," said Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, AgNext director. 

As part of this alliance, Dairy MAX joins a group of diverse researchers charged with finding sustainable solutions through processes that are practical for dairy farmers, and ethically valued by consumers.

Dairy MAX, a nonprofit regional dairy council representing more than 900 dairy farmers, has worked to educate and share the message of ensuring the animals receive exceptional care, along with strengthening industry sustainability for future generations, through farming, education, business development and health and wellness. 

"This collaboration, and our belief and support of the AgNext program, highlights the value Dairy MAX places on the pursuit of knowledge and advancing the sustainability and resiliency of dairy farming," stated Marty McKinzie, Dairy MAX's chief growth officer. "The data and research collected through this program will support protecting the environment for all and ensure a future for dairy farmers to continue providing unmatched nutrition in dairy products with minimal environmental impact."

The combined efforts of AgNext and Dairy MAX aims  to highlight how progressive the agriculture industry is at working to protect and improve the environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

"AgNext is positioned and ready to lead animal agriculture toward the discovery of sustainable solutions that are applicable for farmers based on their operational needs, are considerate of regional variability between operations and enhance profitability for farmers," said Stackhouse-Lawson. "The AgNext research team is thrilled to join together with Dairy MAX and share in the commitment to sustainability in dairy systems."

AgNext and Dairy MAX will work collaboratively to advance the health and sustainability of the entire value chain to improve food security and create stronger communities.

To learn more about sustainability efforts from AgNext and Dairy MAX, visit AgNext.colostate.edu and DairyDiscoveryZone.com/sustainability.