Can Dairy Farms Reduce Their Methane Output? Study Hopes to Find Out How

Environmental Impact of Bison in the Wild West

Following one of my columns on greenhouse gases and dairy cows, I received an interesting call from a reader. She wondered if anyone had looked at the environmental impact of bison from our Wild West days.

Come to find out, there was some research done and the mathematical modeling showed the same results as the research I presented — dairy cows contribute far less greenhouse gases to the environment than other industrial sources. Email me to request a copy of the one research article I found.

Just a few days ago, I learned through a publication of Pennsylvania-based National Public Radio affiliates that Penn State has received a $25 million grant from USDA to study reduction in dairy farm methane emissions through the use of “climate smart” practices.

Climate Smart Practices

Seventy farms will be chosen to participate, with selection assistance provided through the Center for Dairy Excellence.

You might be curious as to what “climate smart” practices are. USDA has identified a listing that includes:

• Cover crops
• No-till or low-till
• Manure management
• Feed management

A complete list can be found on USDA’s website.

Pennsylvania farms in the study will include a diverse group of varying size, and also those owned by underrepresented groups. The goal is to identify which climate-smart methods work for each farm.

Methane is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide.

Like me, I am sure you are asking, “What is an anthropogenic greenhouse gas?”

I found a good explanation on the EPA website. Anthropogenic greenhouse gases are those that are human-influenced and come from such things as landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, and wastewater treatment and other industrial processes.

The EPA information conflicts slightly with USDA sources in the ranking of methane vs. carbon dioxide. USDA considers methane to be the more potent greenhouse gas.

That difference aside, two things are positives in my mind. One, USDA is funding a practice-based study that will benefit Pennsylvania’s participating dairy farmers beyond any methane reduction.

Two, the recommended practices will yield other environmental (in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, e.g.) and production benefits.

Participating farms will first identify the methods and practices they wish to adopt and those that would best benefit their farms. They will be provided with the funds to purchase new equipment or other material needs and will undergo training.

The study is expected to take two years. As noted above, the researchers will recruit a diverse group to participate and hope to include Amish farmers, farms operated by women, and farmers new to the industry.

There is a strong desire to ensure that underserved populations are benefiting from climate-smart agriculture, as stated by Kathleen Sexsmith, a professor of rural sociology at Penn State. The project will accomplish this by removing barriers to implementing management practices.

The ultimate goal is to create a model that other small farms, or those that are resource-limited, can re-create with some level of economic viability.

The project will also work with industry to encourage participation through the use of carbon credits — financial credits used by companies or retailers and passed on to consumers.

Consumers have indicated in numerous research studies that they are willing to pay for carbon offsets, as noted by Katherine Zipp of Penn State.

Jayne Sebright, director of the Center for Dairy Excellence, said farmers are interested in management practices and methods that can help cut methane emission.

We are pleased and proud that our state, through our land-grant institution, has been selected for such an important study and that such a large amount of money will be available to the participating farmers to help with purchases and training they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Good management practices seem to always provide more benefits beyond their original intent.

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board is always available to address questions and concerns. I can be reached at 717-210-8244 or by email at chardbarge@pa.gov.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the environmental impact of dairy cows and the reduction of methane emissions on dairy farms. These issues are directly related to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the article mentions the study of bison’s environmental impact, which is connected to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and prevent the extinction of threatened species

The article highlights the research and study being conducted to reduce methane emissions on dairy farms through the use of “climate smart” practices. This aligns with SDG 13.2, which aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies. Additionally, the focus on reducing methane emissions and improving environmental practices on farms relates to SDG 15.5, which targets the reduction of degradation of natural habitats and the preservation of biodiversity.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:

• Number of farms participating in the study
• Percentage reduction in dairy farm methane emissions
• Number of climate-smart practices adopted by participating farms
• Number of underrepresented groups and diverse farmers included in the study
• Economic viability of the model for small farms or resource-limited farms
• Number of industry participants using carbon credits

These indicators can be used to track the integration of climate change measures into national policies and strategies (SDG 13.2) and the reduction of degradation of natural habitats and biodiversity loss (SDG 15.5).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: lancasterfarming.com

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