Danone has lowered its methane emissions by more than 18% using DSM-Firmenich's feed additive Bovaer, according to a company spokesperson. Other steps taken include the use of wearable technology for cows that neutralizes methane emissions and a heightened focus on manure management and regenerative agriculture.

Nestle has embraced regenerative agriculture practices in the UK through a partnership with farmer-owned cooperative First Milk, but the tricky part is communicating that to consumers. One way is to think outside the package, with videos that explain "where the milk comes from, why regenerative farming is important" and what specific practices are involved, said Matt Ryan, regeneration lead of Nestle UK and Ireland.

Beverage brands such as GoodSport, a clear dairy beverage with added electrolytes, are meeting growing consumer demand for enhanced functionality from dairy beverages, said Paul Ziemnisky, head of science, innovation and business development for Dairy Management Inc. "But there are many untapped opportunities, especially in the health and wellness sector, and dairy can be so much bigger," added Ziemnisky.

Amazon is looking to use its 58 same-day fulfillment facilities to meet shopper needs for perishable items including eggs and milk, said CEO Andy Jassy in his annual letter to shareholders, writing that the move, "might make perishable shopping as convenient as non-perishable shopping already is." The company is also making progress in offering drone delivery in less than an hour, and Jassy said there is increased demand from consumers for additional health and wellness opportunities at Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh stores.

As the manager of the Walmart store in Bellmead, Texas, Nichole Hart has no problem hitting 20,000 steps a day as she oversees a staff of 300, manages more than $100 million in annual sales, oversees fulfillment of online orders and leverages technology for automation -- all while increasing sales and profits. Hart relies on 10 mid-level managers to help supervise operations but also has a hands-on approach to making sure shelves are stocked and the inventory management system accurately reflects what is on the shelves.

Whether a plant-based milk may be a good alternative to dairy depends on an individual's nutritional needs, health conditions and preferences, says registered dietitian Amy Shapiro. Plant-based milks like soy and almond milk are lactose-free for those with dairy sensitivities or allergies and offer phytonutrients, fiber and other vitamins and minerals but have less protein and other nutrients than dairy milk, Shapiro notes.

Sainsbury's will start selling Flora's Plant B+tter Spreadable product in recyclable paper tubs at 386 of its UK supermarkets. The plant-based butter container is the result of many years of research and innovation by Flora parent Upfield's packaging experts and food scientists.

Dairy farmers have been intensifying biosecurity measures since avian influenza was found in dairy cows. The virus appears to be far less virulent in cows than in birds and primarily affects lactating cows, according to the USDA.

Arla Foods UK plans to invest $222 million to expand its Taw Valley Creamery in Devon, England, and start producing mozzarella cheese there in 2027. Proprietary technology will shrink the aging process from two weeks to one day, and the majority of the product will be exported to global leaders in foodservice.

Veterinarian Laura Brown is often found at dairy farms conducting ultrasound exams, analyzing milk and helping farmers manage herd health for optimal milk production. Times have changed since Dr. Brown's father was a large-animal veterinarian, and Dr. Brown and her staff also spend time "behind computers, looking at data and trying to find trends and identify areas of opportunity for farms more than ever," she says.

After growing up on nearly 200 acres of farmland in Northeast Georgia where I was surrounded by cows and corn, I earned a master's degree from the University of Georgia and started a career in journalism that now spans more than two decades.

I joined SmartBrief in 2021 and now edit multiple food and beverage briefs, as well as two marketing briefs. If there is dairy industry-related news you would like to see covered in this brief, please reach out to me via email. I would love to hear from you and welcome your suggestions and comments.