The Dairy Alliance Launches “Got Clean Water” Campaign for Earth Month

New initiative spotlights collaborative efforts driving real impact on local farms and waterways

April marks Earth Month, and The Dairy Alliance, a leading nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of real dairy milk, is launching its “Got Clean Water” campaign. This initiative highlights how dairy farmers, environmental organizations, and industry partners work together to protect one of our most vital natural resources.

The campaign showcases the power of partnership by connecting dairy farmers with organizations like Maola Local Dairies™, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and Sustainable Chesapeake. With support from funding partners including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and USDA, these collaborations help farmers implement practical conservation solutions that protect water quality and strengthen their operations.

In partnership with American Dairy Association Northeast (ADANE), The Dairy Alliance brings the campaign to life through videos, graphics, and digital content that highlight dairy farmers’ commitment to environmental sustainability. The campaign will first feature a Virginia farm during Earth Month and into June Dairy Month, then expand this fall to highlight a Pennsylvania farm around National Farmers Day, showcasing collaboration across regions.

Farmers like Kraig and Heather Smith of Virginia-based Nolandia Farms demonstrate how this model works in action. Through shared investment, technical expertise, and hands-on support, they adopt practices that improve efficiency, support animal care, and safeguard natural resources.

“Water is essential to every aspect of life, and protecting it is a responsibility we all share,” said Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. “The ‘Got Clean Water’ campaign brings that responsibility to life, showcasing how collaboration across sectors is driving meaningful progress for our environment, our communities, and the future of agriculture, including dairy farming.”

This approach helps farmers navigate rising costs, tighter margins, and increasing expectations for environmental stewardship. By working together, partners deliver solutions that are both environmentally impactful and economically viable.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay works directly with farmers to implement conservation practices such as riparian buffers, which help filter nutrients and protect nearby waterways.

“Riparian buffers act as a nutrient sink,” said Christian Anderson, senior agricultural projects manager at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “As nutrients move downhill, those trees catch and hold them, creating cleaner water and healthier habitats for wildlife.”

Sustainable Chesapeake supports farmers by managing the administrative side of conservation projects, helping turn ideas into action.

“There are a lot of resources available, but it can be difficult to know where to start,” said Natasha Rathlev, project manager at Sustainable Chesapeake. “We develop and manage projects that support farmers, including handling complex paperwork, so they can focus on caring for their cows and land.”

For farmer Heather Smith, these partnerships make long-term improvements possible.

“Our manure management is important because that goes on our fields to grow our feed to feed the cows,” said Smith. “The better feed the cows have, the happier and healthier they are, the more milk they produce in the long run.”

With combined public and private investment, farmers implement improvements such as enhanced manure storage, edge-of-field conservation practices, and upgraded cow comfort systems. These efforts reduce nutrient runoff, protect local waterways, support herd health, and improve efficiency. They also strengthen rural economies by supporting local jobs and businesses.

“Clean water and strong American agriculture go together,” said Newberry. “When we invest in dairy farms through this kind of collaboration, we’re protecting our natural resources, strengthening our food system, and helping ensure that farm families can continue their legacy for generations to come. It’s good for the environment, good for rural communities, and good for our country.”

To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com or follow @TheDairyAlliance on Facebook or Instagram.