![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_6656a4fb78d441c0ae5f8f51891d29b3~mv2_d_2500_1404_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_86,h_48,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_6656a4fb78d441c0ae5f8f51891d29b3~mv2_d_2500_1404_s_2.jpg)
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
California's dairy families continue to improve their farming operations, and they are committed to investing in innovative technologies that benefit their animals and their communities.
![Manure Solid Separation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_cb1db510d6f147d599b83a9ec48c94dc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_126,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_cb1db510d6f147d599b83a9ec48c94dc~mv2.jpg)
Manure solid separators create organic compost and reduce methane emissions.
![Cooling Systems](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_d87c178de20a4001b85b8c4e429f56ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_d87c178de20a4001b85b8c4e429f56ec~mv2.jpg)
Dairy barns have a cooling system to keep cows comfortable on hot days: fans, misters, and/or soakers.
![Dairy Manure Digesters](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_016b7b1e760346c78e35a3d7166dead4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_135,h_90,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_016b7b1e760346c78e35a3d7166dead4~mv2.jpg)
There are currently 16 dairy digesters across the state, turning manure into renewable energy.
![Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_59c6ff64f9614f43895a1294bd3ca975~mv2_d_4200_2800_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_59c6ff64f9614f43895a1294bd3ca975~mv2_d_4200_2800_s_4_2.jpg)
Sub-surface drip irrigation is a type of "precision agriculture" technology that increases water efficiency.
![Solar Energy](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_c8e8ad78e3f2423a9971e386e20d494b~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_c8e8ad78e3f2423a9971e386e20d494b~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Dairy farm families harvest renewable energy with large solar panel installations.
![Efficient Lighting](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_a22784aded7d4299a1dc44dc2669d114~mv2_d_4242_2828_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_a22784aded7d4299a1dc44dc2669d114~mv2_d_4242_2828_s_4_2.jpg)
LED lighting and other energy-efficient techniques are used in milking parlors, freestall barns and offices.
![Electric Pumps](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_a7981937ea014f759a9946ac8b022306~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_117,h_175,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_a7981937ea014f759a9946ac8b022306~mv2.jpg)
Dairies continue to convert diesel irrigation pumps to electric pumps, reducing their carbon "hoofprint."
![Efficient Parlor Design](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e8c369_612f7ba84d084610ac598e69bc21eb2d~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e8c369_612f7ba84d084610ac598e69bc21eb2d~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg)
Recycled water is used to cool milking talks, sanitize equipment, and wash cows.