Dairy with Purpose
2026 Crescordia Award RecipientUnited Dairymen of Arizona demonstrates a measurable, organization-wide commitment to sustainability across its farms and processing operations. Representing 36 family-owned farms statewide, UDA integrates sustainability practices at both the farm level and its processing plant, prioritizing efficiency, accountability, and long-term resilience. Since its 2018 baseline, UDA has reduced Scope 1 emissions by 18 percent and Scope 2 emissions by 15.4 percent through equipment upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy sourcing, and a compressed natural gas milk-hauling fleet. UDA also diverts 99.6 percent of waste from landfills by repurposing dairy byproducts, expanding recycling efforts, and utilizing methane digesters to convert organic waste into renewable energy—demonstrating leadership in responsible dairy production. Their work sets a compelling benchmark for what is possible when environmental stewardship is treated as a core business strategy.














