KEWAUNEE, Wis. — A Kewaunee County farm is gaining attention for its sustainability practices.

Duane Ducat co-owns Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee. He said it is hard work running an operation with more than 1,600 milking cows.

“Your heart’s got to be into it, that’s for sure because it is a huge undertaking,” Ducat said.

Ducat’s farm has turned into a shining example of how a dairy operation can be profitable while being environmentally conscious, according to the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

“You have to do things that not only are good for the environment but also keep you profitable and I believe at Deer Run we are doing both.”

He said it starts with how the farm treats its cows. His team regularly monitor cow health with electric monitoring devices, allowing staff to treat any illness right as they start.

They also provide fresh bedding multiple times a week, making sure the cows are comfortable and cool. They also control the cows diet, Ducat said.

That way the cows are healthier, happier, and produce less methane in their manure.

“That all plays into what’s better for the environment,” he said.

The farm installed a biodigester in 2011. Ducat said the farm runs all the manure produced on the farm through the complex machine, resulting in several benefits for the farm and the community.

The digester separates the manure solids, which are then used as bedding for the cows.

“It’s very comfortable for the cows,” Ducat said. “The stalls are deep bedded three times weekly and the stalls are groomed every day.”

The machine also captures methane from the manure before it reaches the atmosphere. That reduces the amount of greenhouse gasses that escape the farm and reduces the smell.

What’s captured by the digester is converted into natural gas and shipped away to be used to power communities.

“We get benefits from the digester and society is getting benefits from the digester,” Ducat said.

All that has earned the farm an Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability award. It recognizes the work the farm has done to be profitable while protecting the environment.

“We’re honored to receive the award. It completely caught us off guard when we were nominated, but it’s nice to be recognized for what we are doing.”

Ducat said while the recognition is nice, knowing his operation is helping protect the environment is what matters most.