News

University of Wisconsin-Platteville is participating in a six-year multistate study to evaluate the impact of various field management practices on soil health, water quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and farm productivity. On-site researcher, Dennis Busch, explains the preliminary results the research team has seen thus far on water infiltration rates, nutrient loading, surface water quality, and runoff events between commonly used field practices and soil health management systems.

On May 28th, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced that Bovaer® (3-NOP) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This signifies that the methane-reducing feed ingredient is deemed both safe and effective for application in lactating dairy cattle. Bovaer® has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions about 30% per lactating dairy cow per day. The product launch is expected in the third quarter of 2024 and will enable farmers to generate carbon credits by using Bovaer®, which they can then sell in a carbon marketplace. This provides a scalable financial incentive, rewarding farmers for their sustainability efforts and creating a new revenue stream.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a professor at the University of California-Davis, discusses diverse strategies to reduce dairy cattle methane emissions. He emphasizes the importance for dairy farms to have access to a range of resources within the methane mitigation toolbox, including manure technologies like anaerobic digestion, feed ingredients, genetics, and additional methods.

Quail Ridge Dairy, located in Fort Morgan, Colorado, produces more than just milk on its 4,500-cow dairy; it also generates renewable energy. The farm utilizes an anaerobic digester system to convert waste from their thousands of cows into renewable energy, in turn reducing methane emissions from manure. This renewable energy serves as both an additional revenue stream to the farm if sold and a potential means of decreasing energy expenses when used on-farm.

As public concern for environmental stewardship rises, industries like dairy are under increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency and action. The U.S. dairy sector, a pioneer in environmental reporting, is embarking on updated life cycle assessments to align with evolving global standards, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and accountability.

The 2024 report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022,” highlights agriculture’s near 2% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2021 to 2022, marking the largest decrease amongst all economic sectors. By leveraging various sustainability initiatives, innovative technologies, expert technical assistance, and advancements in soil, crop, and animal management practices, agriculture is steadily progressing towards its sustainability objectives.

Preliminary findings from UC Davis have shown the use of grape pomace in alfalfa-based feed for dairy cows can reduce enteric methane emissions by 10 to 11%. The piloted research study has shown the pomace’s optimal fatty acid profile is capable of reducing enteric methane emissions in a cost-effective way while maintaining milk quality.

As the need to reduce on-farm methane emissions becomes more apparent, researchers at Cornell University are working to formulate dietary strategies through feed additives to decrease enteric methane emissions in dairy cattle. To track these emissions, Dr. Joshua McFadden and his team will utilize novel respiration chambers to assess the effectiveness of various feed additives in mitigating enteric methane emissions.

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has recently published its 2023 Stewardship Report, highlighting the cooperative’s diverse stewardship initiatives. Driven by the dedication of its employees, these initiatives include TCCA’s sustainable certified packaging materials, enhancements in animal care, reductions in on-farm landfill waste, awarded grants, and upcoming manure management projects.

While dairy farmers have always been familiar with sustainable management practices, the realm of sustainability, particularly within carbon markets, presents vast opportunities. Carbon programs provide farmers with incentives that yield both environmental and economic benefits. By dedicating time to understand the workings and processes of carbon programs, farmers can effectively navigate the array of carbon opportunities best suited for their operation.