For Cabot farmers, sustainability is a way of life. For generations, many of our farmers have found thoughtful ways to power their farms and care for the land and water. From investing in cutting edge on-farm renewable energy technologies to utilizing tried and true soil conservation practices, here are a few ways some of our Cabot farmers are focused on the future.
On-Farm Energy
Many of our farmer-owners are creative with how they generate renewable energy.
- Solar arrays & wind turbines generate electricity that provides power to the farm and the local energy grid.
- Anaerobic Digesters process byproducts like manure into renewable gas or electricity, fertilizer, and bedding. Some on-farm digesters also process organic waste from other businesses like Cabot. As of 2025, 14 Cabot farms utilize digesters, which represents 2% of the nation’s dairy farm digesters.
Soil Conservation
Most farms use practices like cover crops, crop rotation, and no-till planting to maintain soil health and grow quality feed.
- Cover crops like winter rye are planted in late summer or fall to improve soil, prevent erosion, and add nutrients.
- Crop rotation maintains soil nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and reduces pests by diversifying crops.
- No-till planting plants the seed directly with minimal soil disturbance, reducing moisture loss, erosion, and improving soil health.
Locally Sourced Feed & Upcycling
Most of our cows’ feed—grass, corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and hay—is grown on member farms, providing the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Farmers work with nutritionists to upcycle byproducts from industries like beer and apples into feed—23% of the milking cow diet in 2023—balanced with forage and grains for herd health.
"Sustainability is everybody’s part. I don’t think any one person can do everything, but I think everyone can do something.”
- Steve Barstow, Barstow's Longview Farm
