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There have been several technologies created to conquer methane emissions caused by the storage of manure. A team of researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences discovered a potentially new way to reduce these emissions through the addition of a tropical alga, Asparagposis taxiformis (AT), also known as red sea plume, to be used as a methane inhibitor in manure storage.

Within the past eight years, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has proven its support for dairy and livestock methane production through its funding of 271 incentive projects that resulted in the reduction of 24.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. To secure funding, CDFA has joined the USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities program that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand markets for climate-smart commodities. With this funding, the CDFA is able to offer new programs like the Dairy Plus Program while also keeping the viability of existing programs like the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRP).

Nestlé Health Science has partnered with Royal Dairy farm in Washington state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through climate-smart farming practices. The collaboration focuses on innovation in cow feed, manure management, renewable energy, and regenerative agriculture, demonstrating how dairy milk can be a sustainable source of nutrition. As part of the collaboration, Royal Dairy joins Nestlé Health Science’s dairy suppliers for Carnation Breakfast Essentials, a nutritional powder drink mix, to bring sustainable dairy products to consumers nationwide. The initiative aligns with the U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative, advancing sustainability practices and research in the dairy industry.

3Degrees, a climate solutions provider, has announced the approval of a groundbreaking methane avoidance project at Skyridge Farms by Verra, the global carbon standards body. The project, managed by 3Degrees, uses Livestock Water Recycling’s First Wave System to eliminate methane production from onsite waste and recover volatile solids from raw manure. In addition to mitigating methane emissions, the system provides cleaner water for crops, increased compost value, healthier soils, and improved air quality for the surrounding communities. The project not only brings environmental benefits but also has the potential to generate carbon credits, making it eligible for participation in voluntary carbon markets.

TIME magazine spreads the word to its mass audience about dairy cows’ contribution to reducing food waste in landfills. As dairy farmers have long known the benefits of their cows’ ability to consume byproducts, TIME is helping bridge an understanding to consumers as to how dairy cows are the ultimate recyclers and an important piece to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Through NZI, Starbucks partners directly with farmers in our supply chain and has committed to invest $10 million toward the research and implementation of new practices in feed production to manure management, nutrition and on-farm energy efficiency with the goal of providing farmers with technology and environmental practices.

Enteric methane, one of the largest and most complex sources of greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy industry, is being addressed through various mitigation options including development of feed additive and genetic innovations. While developing the science behind enteric methane mitigation is challenging enough, new challenges arise when it comes to maximizing the benefits of emission reductions. Carbon offset programs and government incentives have been beneficial in both short-term and long-term support of farmers to implement mitigation strategies.

“…dairy is in a unique position to help other businesses and industries that are unable to immediately reduce their own GHG emissions. When industries outside the dairy value chain purchase carbon credits from U.S. dairy farmers, it provides an important source of funding and revenue diversification. This is turn enables dairy farmers to continue ongoing reinvestment and adoption of sustainable innovations and technological advancements — further advancing the positive cycle of GHG reduction while providing safe and quality nutrition to families around the globe.”

Powering a community by what was once considered waste is not only helping the farm’s sustainability efforts, but it’s also generating additional income. Newtrient offers the following advice when exploring the carbon markets.

Analysis by UC Davis researchers shows continued implementation of California’s incentive-based dairy methane reduction efforts should, by 2030, achieve the full 40% reduction goal.