Can the Cattle Industry Have a Positive Impact on Climate Change? YES!

.
.
(.)

At the recently completed Blueprint For The Future Cattlemen’s Conference, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. As such he shares his knowledge and research, both domestically and abroad, with students, scientists, farmers and ranchers, policy makers, and the public at large. Dr. Mitloehner served the keynote speaker at the conference banquet and is highly regarded as the “greenhouse gas guru” and an advocate for animal agriculture. He collaborates with animal agriculture to create better efficiencies and mitigate pollutants. His focus is on understanding and mitigating air emissions from livestock operations, as well as studying the implications of these emissions on the health of farm workers and neighboring communities. In addition, he is focused on the food production challenge that will become a global issue as the world’s population grows to nearly 10 billion by 2050. 

Dr. Mitloehner made the following points in his presentation:

  • The most concerning greenhouse gas from animal agriculture is methane. Cattle (as a ruminant animal), swamps and even more sources produce methane. Methane is quite different from other greenhouse gases because it is naturally destroyed within about 10 years. While there is a constant source of methane produced by cowherds, it is not contributing to additional global warming because a similar amount of what is produced is also destroyed. The same is not true of other greenhouse gases, like vehicle emissions, which accumulate in the atmosphere.
  • Furthermore, as a result of his work, California Dairy herds have actually been successful in reducing the amount of methane produced and in some cases, as a result of covering lagoons to trap biogas (much of which is methane) it is being converted into transportation fuel. As such, it has turned into a second “cash crop” for these Dairy operations.
  • Decreasing methane emissions will decrease global warming. This means the cattle industry can be part of the climate solution because there are ways to reduce methane that are cost-effective and have positive impact on climate.
  • Dr Mitloehner’s most important “take home” message was that this is a positive news story for the beef industry and cattle producers which we should embrace.

Reference: clear.ucdavis.edu

 

Latest News

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations
Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations

As horses are exposed to the environment, wildlife and mosquitoes that transmit the five core equine diseases, it’s important to follow the core equine disease vaccination protocol.