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Advancing RuFaS Model for Climate-Smart Dairy Industry Decision-Making and Policy Evaluation

Principal Investigator: Daryl Nydam

Public & Ecosystem Health
Sponsor: Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
Grant Number: G-25-2150510
Title: Advancing RuFaS Model for Climate-Smart Dairy Industry Decision-Making and Policy Evaluation
Project Amount: $1,490,000
Project Period: November 2025 to October 2027

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):

Cornell University, with support from Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), aims to enhance the abilities of the Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model to evaluate whole-farm environmental and economic outcomes. These new and improved abilities will allow RuFaS to simulate the consequences of private and public conservation and policy programs more accurately and comprehensively. The project will increase the model’s management and conservation options and improve its accuracy for greenhouse gas emissions, water quality impacts, and economic outcomes. The enhanced model will support evidence-based decisions and enable dairy value chain participation in environmental conservation and reporting programs.