Washington Dairy Farmer Honored For Sustainability Efforts

On Thursday, Dairy Farmers of Washington and Darigold announced that Washington dairy farmer, Austin Allred, was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability Award by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.  The 28-year-old Allred, was recognized for his commitment to dairy farm sustainability with a primary goal of transforming Royal Dairy into a zero-waste business.

In 2017, Allred became the first dairy farmer in Washington to install a Biofiltro BIDA® System, an energy-efficient water treatment system utilizing worms to transform the dairy’s wastewater into irrigation-grade water.  Through the use of worms, the Biofiltro BIDA® System is able to turn the farm’s biggest liability, wastewater, into a profitable asset-- high quality worm castings which can be used as organic fertilizer.

The worms’ process to clean the water generates approximately 2,000 cubic yards of worm casting every 18 months that will be sold to other local farmers to fortify their soil for apples, bell peppers, cherries and other produce.

“I am so pleased to have Austin and his family representing Washington’s dairy community,” said Scott Kinney, DFW CEO. “DFW proudly supported the system’s launch and funded BioFiltro’s on-farm research at Royal Dairy. Because of Austin’s hard work and forward thinking, this innovative approach has the potential to change how farms manage wastewater across the country.”

Royal Dairy’s Biofiltro BIDA® System is the largest dairy wastewater treatment facility of its kind in the nation and since its installation, has recycled more than 73 million gallons of wastewater, removing on average 97% of suspended solids and 93% of nitrogen.

“As we at Darigold celebrate our centennial anniversary, we are proud of co-op members like Austin Allred and his family who have invested in an innovative way to treat wastewater on their farm,” said Stan Ryan, Darigold president and CEO. “Our member-owners are stewards of their animals, the environment and communities, and have been for the past 100 years. Darigold is pleased to again be associated with the national award winners announced today. It’s a win-win for the planet, the community and business.”

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