Dairy West Announces VP Of Sustainability

Dairy West is putting more of an emphasis on sustainability with a recent hire. CEO Karianne Fallow announced Monday that Marissa Watson has been hired as Dairy West’s first vice president of sustainability, a position that Fallow said underscores the importance of sustainability within the dairy community and all of agriculture. Agriculture she noted plays a key role in developing sustainable solutions for a climate-smart future, adding this new area of work for Dairy West demonstrates that leadership commitment.

Most recently the sustainability manager at University of Vermont Dining, Watson brings more than eight years of agriculture experience with a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Georgia.

"We are thrilled that someone of Marissa's caliber is joining our growing Dairy West team," Fallow said. "Dairy farmers, who are dedicated stewards of our land and animals, continue to make great strides toward reducing their carbon footprint, because we know the future of a healthy planet depends upon how we care for its resources. Marissa's expertise will accelerate our progress in that direction."

The U.S. dairy community has set a goal of being carbon neutral or better by 2050. Watson said to get there requires developing innovative solutions to achieve common goals across all sectors, including agriculture. 

"I am very excited to join Dairy West in this important role," Watson said. "Having a planet-forward mindset isn't new to dairy farmers. Telling their stories, innovating on-farm management practices, and working with partners to showcase agriculture's place in environmental sustainability will help highlight the progress that is being made."

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