April is Earth Month and the St. Louis Dairy Council is highlighting the 96% of U. S. farms that are family-owned and operated. According to the St. Louis Dairy Council, milk is one of the most regulated products on grocery store shelves, causing farmers to treat their heads of cattle almost like family members.

Kelsey Bentlage, a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Educator for the St. Louis Dairy Council says animal care is the priority for dairy farmers as happy and healthy cows produce more milk.

Farmers are strategic when thinking of their water use footprint. Current farm operations reuse the same water for different purposes five to six different times, says Bentlage.

Cow manure is being used for more than just nutrient-rich fertilizer, manure is being converted into renewable energy according to Bentlage.

Visit stldairycouncil on Facebook, Instagram, or online to find recipes of the month and more sustainable farming information.

Kelsey Bentlage appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.