Sustainability

Innovation in Every Drop: Apple Shamrock Farms Crowned 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:40:02 GMT

In the heart of Northwest Pennsylvania lies an exemplary model of dairy innovation: Apple Shamrock Farms, LLC. With their recent accolade of being named the 2026 International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award winner, the Waddell family showcases what it truly means to be modern dairy producers.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Founded in 1976 by Robert and Lorna Waddell, alongside their son Robert J., Apple Shamrock Dairy continues its legacy today under the leadership of seventh-generation farmer Josh Waddell. The dairy remains a true family affair, with Josh’s brother, Joe, as a farm partner (primarily working off-farm), his mother, Christine, managing the books, and his father, Robert J., overseeing the milk hauling side of the business.

Apple Shamrock Farms LLC exemplifies a holistic approach to innovation, integrating advanced solutions across every facet of their expansive 3,500-acre operation, which supports a 1,250-cow milking herd producing an impressive 38 million pounds of milk annually.

“There’s a lot of unique things that I think we do well, but cows are No. 1 around here. That’s what we built our business on and has allowed us to do what we’ve done,” Josh Waddell says. “We are truly honored to receive this recognition.”

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Maximizing Herd Potential Through Data and Genetics
At the core of Apple Shamrock Farms’ operations in Townville, Pa., is their sophisticated approach to dairy management, primarily driven by data and genetics. The Waddells implement a high-tech Afimilk cow monitoring system that delivers comprehensive data analytics, allowing for precise adjustments in cow care and feeding. This meticulous approach is supported by strategic feed tracking software, which ensures optimal component levels in milk production. This all has helped Apple Shamrock consistently achieve high component levels with 94 lb. of milk, with a 4.35% butterfat, and 3.35% protein, respectively. This translates to 109.8 lb. of energy corrected milk.

“The scale of the business we are in, we need the high output from the cows,” Waddell says.

Beyond daily management, Apple Shamrock Farms is a pioneer in genetic advancement. Through the strategic use of IVF and genomics, they are actively shaping their herd’s future, selecting embryos from their highest-producing, functional cows to enhance genetics and improve herd longevity. This forward-thinking approach ensures they are milking the right cows and maximizing the potential of every animal, even with a significant percentage of 2-year-olds in the herd.

Apple Shamrock has sold a lot of replacement heifers over the years, and Waddell notes the buyers want genomics, but they don’t want to “buy a dented Mustang.”

Their commitment to excellence extends beyond sound genetics to meticulous transition and calving pen all-in, all-out management and with a constant focus on raising the best, healthiest calves they can.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Pioneering Environmental Stewardship and Resource Optimization
Innovation at Apple Shamrock Farms isn’t confined to the barn; it extends to robust environmental stewardship. The Waddells have implemented a comprehensive three-cell manure system with a low-maintenance sand separation system. This not only allows them to reclaim sand for bedding but also significantly enhances the potency of their liquid fertilizer. Critically, all liquid manure is injected directly into the ground, a practice that maximizes crop yields while drastically limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preventing runoff.

Apple Shamrock effectively separates sand by mixing two gallons of “tea water” (thinner manure from cell three) with one gallon of sand-laden manure, then employing a large dewatering screen and stacking conveyors to create 35'-high sand piles for reuse after eight months.

“This innovative sand removal process has significantly improved our overall hauling efficiency by 20% to 25% and generated substantial savings on spreading equipment, enough to justify the sand lane’s cost even without sand reuse,” Waddell says.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Despite the system being designed for 1,200 cows and currently handling more, leading to some water quality challenges, Waddell says the farm prioritizes a straightforward approach, avoiding complex mechanical separation buildings and planning to expand storage to meet current herd needs.

Their commitment to sustainability is further evident in their extensive satellite cropping operation, encompassing 565 acres of corn and soybeans. At the satellite cropping operation and the home operation, guidance systems and precision planters are used. These practices collectively contribute to energy efficiencies and a notable reduction in GHG emissions, demonstrating a profound dedication to both economic and environmental sustainability.

“I used to call it the four-leaf clover, but our approach to sustainability is really a full circle,” Waddell explains.

A Model for Future Challenges and Industry Leadership
Apple Shamrock Farms is strategically positioned to meet future economic and sustainability challenges head-on. Their philosophy of “structured growth” focuses on maximizing performance and efficiency, driving high output while achieving significant labor savings. By coupling genetic potential with cow comfort, they aim for a more mature, resilient herd, ensuring long-term viability.

“Looking ahead, we first plan to optimize our dairy by first filling the remaining 200 to 400 cow capacity in their parlor to improve cash flow,” Waddell explains, noting a core focus for the next decade is eliminating “Josh spots,” inefficient areas requiring daily attention, and consolidating their dry cow, prefresh and calf operations into a single, highly efficient complex where specialized labor can focus.

Beyond their farm gates, the Waddells are recognized leaders.

“They are truly a testament to what can happen when innovation and creativity meet a strong work ethic and desire to progress,” says Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, in a nomination letter supporting Apple Shamrock.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

The Waddell family actively participates in benchmarking groups, shares insights with peers and holds numerous leadership roles across the dairy industry and within their local community. Whether housing “foster cows” for a neighboring farm after a devastating fire or hosting school tours, their spirit of cooperation and advocacy for the dairy industry is unwavering.

“This spirit of support in times of crisis is what makes our agriculture industry great, the Waddells are a standout example,” Redding says.

Apple Shamrock Farms embodies what’s achievable when innovation converges with tradition and tenacity. As a paragon of modern dairy farming, they set a dynamic example for the future, proving hard work and creative solutions can propel the industry forward.

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Honduran Veterinarian Honored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:17:36 GMT

Carlos Tabora, a veterinarian from Honduras, was recently recognized for his commitment to transforming the livestock system of his home country during the second Food and Agriculture Organization Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation. Through its ‘Recognition of Good Practices and Innovations’ initiative, the organization highlights projects that promote sustainability, resilience and equity in food systems worldwide.

“This achievement reflects the joint efforts of thousands of farming families who have decided to commit to a more just, profitable, and sustainable livestock industry for future generations,” Tabora says. “This recognition reaffirms the commitment of Honduras’s rural communities to building a livestock model that protects natural resources and strengthens livelihoods.”

Tabora is the acting livestock project manager for Heifer Honduras, the local branch of Heifer International, which works to end hunger and poverty in communities across the globe — including within the U.S. — through seed investments of livestock or agriculture followed by mentorship.

Congrats to @HeiferHonduras' Livestock Project Manager Carlos Tabora for receiving the @FAO Recognition of Good Practices & Innovations! His work has helped 10,000 Honduran farmers transition to climate-smart, inclusive livestock systems: https://t.co/2cIqleQREb pic.twitter.com/ihr9BvqDBG
— Surita Sandosham (@HeiferCEO) October 15, 2025

In his role, Tabora led program activities in Olancho, the largest livestock-producing region of Honduras. Historically, livestock production in this area revolved around the expansion of pastures at the expense of forests, which contributed to deforestation, soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

In response to this challenge, Heifer International launched the ‘Transitioning Livestock Production in Olancho: From Traditional Grazing to Climate-Smart Systems’ initiative based on the adoption of silvopasture systems. These systems integrate trees, forage crops and livestock grazing, and can increase meat and milk production, improve soil fertility, conserve water and capture carbon. This initiative also involved Field School educational sessions held on host farms where farming families learned about animal nutrition, pasture management, reproduction and herd health.

Over 10,000 farming families have adopted silvopasture systems, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity and an 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Further, this initiative has actively encouraged women’s leadership within agriculture.

The model being applied in Olancho is now being replicated in six additional areas of Honduras, with plans to expand to Guatemala and Mexico next year.

From Brew to Moo: The Sustainable Dairy Practices at Ayers Farm

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:33:49 GMT

A good brew isn’t just for humans — it’s on the menu for the Holstein cows at Ayers Farm in Perryville, Ohio, too. This unique twist in cattle feed comes from an unexpected source: the Budweiser plant in Columbus. At Ayers Farm, home to more than 600 Holstein cows, this innovative use of brewer’s mash, a byproduct of the beer-making process, has become an integral part of their operation.

(Ayers Farm)

A Sustainable Diet
At Ayers Farm, sustainability is a key focus. The herd’s nutritionist orchestrates a delicate balance of crops and upcycled food byproducts to ensure the cows’ diet is both nutritious and environmentally conscious. Kathy Davis, a seventh-generation dairy farmer at Ayers Farms, emphasizes the importance of this approach.

“By using a byproduct from another process, we prevent it from ending up in a trash pile,” she says, underscoring their commitment to sustainable practices and innovative feed solutions that benefit their cows and the broader agricultural community.

Davis says they have been feeding distillers grains ever since she was in high school in the late ‘80s. She says farmers are the ultimate recyclers, adding they also include corn gluten, soybean meal and cottonseed to their cows’ diets.

“It was close by, and we could incorporate into the ration what would be beneficial,” she says, noting that prior to feeding distillers grains, the farm used potato waste from a nearby Frito Lay plant. “That is when we were feeding out steers. The potato starch content didn’t make it a good fit to feed our cows, but we’re always looking for benefits, and the distiller grain is economical, and our nutritionist was really excited about the possible benefits for it.”

(Ayers Farm)

Behind the Scenes
Ayers Farm isn’t just feeding its cows better — it’s also incorporating technology to enhance the health and productivity of their herd. From GEA activity monitors on breeding-age heifers, as well as lactating and dry cows to integrated feeding programs, plus DeLaval cameras in the maternity pens, the farm is leveraging tech to stay ahead. These systems provide valuable data that helps manage everything from health indicators to milk production metrics, ensuring issues are flagged before they become problems.

“It’s not just about milk production; it’s about having a good workforce and external partners, such as nutritionists and veterinarians, that help us achieve a sustainable, rewarding livelihood,” Davis shares. “Ultimately, it has to return a good livelihood to us and for our employees, so that our work-to-life balance is good, and we feel like we’re accomplishing something when we come to work every day.”

In addition to the cows, the Ayers have an equal number of replacement heifers and farm 1,500 acres. A total of 25 people work on their farm, which also includes owner-operators.

Challenges and the Future
Despite their advancements, like many farms, Ayers Farm faces challenges, particularly concerning labor and logistical hurdles in milk hauling. Yet, they are adapting, trying innovative solutions such as breeding and beef-on-dairy strategies to improve margins.

Looking ahead, steady communication and strategic planning are crucial for Ayers Farm, especially with generational transitions on the horizon. Davis’ father and uncle are in their ‘70s, while she and her cousin continue to accumulate more responsibilities. Succession planning not only involves the transfer of assets but also adapting the day-to-day share of operation responsibilities to ensure smooth management handoffs.

Ayers Farm is a testament to how traditional farming values can coexist with innovative practices. By incorporating distillers grains, optimizing feed through technology and planning for future generations, Ayers Farm continues to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

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The Future of Methane Reduction: Breakthrough Technologies Take the Lead

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:47:59 GMT

In a significant leap forward for sustainable agriculture, the groundbreaking Methane Eradication Photochemical System (MEPS) has successfully demonstrated its capability to eliminate dilute methane emissions from dairy barns at a commercial scale. This pioneering field demonstration marks the first real-world validation of a scalable technology that addresses methane emissions from livestock operations.

Methane poses a substantial environmental challenge, with a global warming potential 84 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. As livestock are responsible for approximately 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. the importance of MEPS in the dairy industry’s journey to net zero emissions cannot be overstated.

The U.S. dairy industry is actively working to reduce methane emissions through various strategies, including:

Improved manure management
Enhanced feed efficiency
Innovative technologies like anaerobic digesters

These efforts are part of a broader commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Field Trials in Denmark: A Major Milestone
The large-scale trial was conducted at the Hofmansgave Foundation farm in Denmark. The MEPS unit, housed in a standard 40' shipping container, efficiently processed air samples from a 250-cow open-sided dairy barn. This trial signifies a significant transition from laboratory prototypes to a commercially viable solution.

“The system successfully oxidized methane from dairy barn ventilation air across varying concentration levels, proving that MEPS can deliver consistent performance under real agricultural conditions with co-pollutants present. Across the initial tests, up to 90% of inlet air methane was eradicated over a methane concentration range of 4.3 ppm to 44 ppm,” says Matthew S. Johnson, co-founder and chief science officer at Ambient Carbon.

Industry Support and Collaboration
The support of Danone North America played an instrumental role in this field trial, reflecting their commitment to innovation that strengthens farm longevity and the supply chain. Ambient Carbon, in collaboration with Benton Group Dairies, works toward validating MEPS’ performance and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Jessie Copeland, head of regenerative agriculture at Danone North America, expresses satisfaction with the initial results.

“The success in Denmark paves the way for further strategic collaborations... reinforcing our shared commitment to enhancing farmer and supply chain resiliency,” he says.

Chris Williams, conservation lead at Benton Dairies, adds: “We are excited to work alongside Ambient Carbon to push the boundaries of sustainable milk production.”

Beyond methane eradication, MEPS also removes ammonia and barn odors, generating fertilizer as a by-product and enhancing resource efficiency through its closed-loop circular technology.

The Path Forward
As emphasized by Dave Kenney, CEO of Ambient Carbon, proving MEPS technology at scale is a crucial step toward delivering a commercial solution by 2026.

MEPS is poised to become the only effective and commercially viable solution for methane concentrations below 1000 ppm — which is typical of dairy barns. Its modular design and non-invasive nature allow flexible deployment across various barn sizes without affecting farm operations.

While the field trial focused on dairy barn emissions, the MEPS system holds promise for other sources of methane emissions, including manure storage, biogas plants and wastewater treatment facilities — potentially expanding its climate impact.

The successful demonstration of MEPS underscores a pivotal moment for agricultural sustainability, potentially transforming the dairy industry and beyond, while reinforcing the importance of innovation in combating climate change.

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Could Water Additive Reduce Cattle Methane Output?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:45:59 GMT

As researchers strive to reduce methane emissions in the agricultural sector, grazing animals have not been privy to current feed-additive technologies. That could change soon, with a new, commercial product under development called Rumin8 .

Rumin8 is under development by a climate technology start-up company based in Perth, Australia. It contains a compound developed from rangeland plants and red seaweed. The organic active compound, Tribromomethane (TBM), is produced via a pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing process.

More than a decade of research has explored its efficacy in reducing methane output by targeting the methanogenic pathways in ruminant livestock.

As a feed additive, Rumin8 has been shown to reduce methane emissions in confinement-housed dairy and feedlot cattle by 50 to more than 90%.

But according to the Rumin8 founders, at any one time 96% of the cattle population in Australia, the U.S., Brazil, and New Zealand are raised in grazing systems, and there currently no methane-reducing additives available for these cattle.

A recent study conducted at Australia’s University of New England evaluated the efficacy of delivering a water-based formulation of Rumin8 to cattle through water troughs. Compared to a control group receiving no treatment, the Rumin8-treated cattle achieved an 81% methane yield reduction.

In the same study, an oil-based formulation was incorporated into a feedlot ration, producing a 95% reduction in methane yield. But the still-respectable 81% methane reduction via water delivery could still be highly valuable, given the large population of cattle in either remote rangeland operations or those with fewer animal handling touchpoints. And even in confinement housing, water dosing may be more practical and convenient, depending on the operation’s management structure and animal care routines.

Rumin8 founders say the product could be integral to the production of lower-carbon meat and milk. They emphasize that reducing ruminant methane enables animals to convert otherwise lost energy into increased productivity. Initial research trials have indicated productivity gains in the neighborhood of 9%.

To date, Rumin8 has been approved in feed additive form by regulatory bodies in New Zealand and Brazil . The product remains in the approval review process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Company officials say they are working diligently to accelerate access of Rumin8 products into the hands of producers, with “a view to reduce livestock methane emissions and improve productivity.”

There are Many “Wheys” to Feed Dairy Cows

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:05:06 GMT

It’s the ultimate recycling story -- one that could boost a dairy farm’s sustainability and possibly even carbon credits, while maintaining excellent nutrition and production. Feeding liquid whey could be the way to bundle these multiple benefits in one package.

Whey is a co-product from cheese and yogurt production, and it’s often readily available in dairy-concentrated regions where dairy manufacturing is centered among the cows. It was once considered a total waste product, until value-added processing techniques converted and stabilized it to capture its nutritive merits in more portable and storable forms.

Now, dried whey powder, permeate, and whey protein concentrate are widely used in everything from pet food to calf milk replacer and baked goods to bodybuilding supplements.

But due to logistics and storage challenges, an estimated 40-50% of whey produced in the U.S. is still discarded – often discharged as sewage. In addition to wasting nutrients, this practice can create a high biological oxygen demand that must be managed carefully to prevent water pollution.

Enter the humble dairy cow. She produced the original foundations of whey, and she can consume and recycle the elements that remain. In terms of dairy nutrition, whey is a highly concentrated energy source because it is made up of 60-70% lactose. It also provides a moderate amount of protein (6-8%) and is rich in calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium.

Liquid whey typically contains about 15-30% solids, which means it adds a good deal of moisture to a TMR. It’s also a rumen-friendly feedstuff in that its lactose is readily fermented and can enhance microbial protein synthesis – as long as it is balanced in the TMR to prevent acidosis. Its sodium and potassium levels also need to be monitored to maintain DCAD balance.

Dairy nutritionist Paul Dyk, MSc, PAS, owner of Forward Dairy Consulting, LLC, Fond du Lac, Wis. and partner with GPS Dairy Consultants, works with several clients who successfully feed fresh whey. “It’s an excellent and economic source of sugar that can replace higher-cost ingredients,” said Dyk.

He shared the two largest challenges with feeding whey are constancy and storage. “There can be a lot of variability in whey, so you definitely want a supply that comes from a single cheese type to ensure a relatively consistent product batch-to-batch,” Dyk advised.

Sweet whey, with a pH of about 6.0-6.7, is a co-product of hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella that are produced with a rennet-based coagulant. Acid whey is the result of lactic-acid-based coagulation of products like Greek yogurt, cottage, and ricotta cheese, with a substantially lower pH ranging from about 4.0-5.1, plus higher mineral content.While straight whey is usually not shipped directly to the dairy, whey permeate (less protein) and delactosed permeate (DLP -- some lactose removed) are common liquid products being delivered to dairies.

Dyk said the perishable nature of whey is the other factor that can make it difficult to feed. “A dairy feeding liquid whey will need bulk-tank storage agitate it, and at least 7 days’ worth of storage capacity,” he advised. “The source plant will generally want to move it out as quickly as possible, so you’ve got to be equipped to manage it on your end.Turning the whey over weekly while agitating can keep the product fresh.”

He has seen dairies successfully embrace fresh-whey feeding, generally at about 1-4% total dry matter in the TMR. “Depending on the circumstances, a cheese plant might even be willing to give it away, but there is the investment in trucking and storage that have to be factored in,” Dyk stated.

For lactating rations, dried whey is an alternative that can still make sense in the commodity mix, with advantages in storage, shelf life, and precision in the ration.

Researchers are also looking at alternative strategies to maximize the value of whey. Among the innovative projects in progress are utilizing whey as a fermentation and moisture substrate for silage; using new methods like ion exchange to process and purify condensed whey products; and extracting the water from weigh for drinking and wash water on dairies as an antidote to water scarcity.

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Tradition to Tech: How a Minnesota Couple is Modernizing Their Dairy

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:08:09 GMT

In an era where the fusion of traditional farming and technology is revolutionizing the agriculture industry, individuals like Megan and Tim Schrupp exemplify what it means to combine passion, community and innovation for a sustainable future. Nestled in the heart of Eden Valley, Minn., their operation, NexGen Dairy, is a beacon for modern dairy farming practices.

A Legacy of Dedication
The Schrupps’ farming journey started as part of Megan’s family farm. This duo represents the new wave of farmers, milking 1,200 Jersey and Jersey-cross cows along with 30 registered Guernsey cows from Tim’s family stock. Though farming wasn’t initially on the career trajectory for this young couple, as Tim ventured into construction and Megan aimed to be a meteorologist, they were eventually drawn back to their roots, driven by the potential they saw in modernizing their family operations and carrying on their legacies.

“My father always encouraged me to be a dairy veterinarian,” Megan says. She now smiles looking back and says, “He obviously saw my future path better than I did.”

Innovative Management
After practicing veterinary medicine in a clinic for a couple years, Megan came back to her home farm in 2014. Today, under her management, NexGen Dairy emphasizes employee excellence and sustainability. She actively leads efforts in hands-on cow health practices, which include pregnancy checks and surgeries, ensuring the best care through comprehensive in-house services like breeding and hoof care.

On the other hand, Tim brings his construction background expertise to enhance farm infrastructure, evidenced by the heifer barn the family built in 2016.

“Every year we seem to have a decent size building project,” he says. “We utilize summer help with high school students.”

Tim Schrupp’s background in construction gets put to use at the dairy as each year brings a new building project.

(Nexgen Dairy)

Community Leadership
Despite how busy farm life is, the couple is actively involved in the agricultural community, starting their journey with the Young Cooperator group through their milk processor, First District Association, in 2013. Their leadership was recognized as they were appointed chairs of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) YC advisory board this past fall. The Schrupps’ passion for networking creates valuable learning opportunities and connections for themselves and others facing similar challenges across the industry.

“It’s good to be part of these kinds of networking opportunities,” Megan explains. “It’s nice to know others are also going through similar situations and challenges.”

Not only do they participate in initiatives such as “Dinner on the Dairy,” to engage with the public about their dairy farm life, but they also empower young enthusiasts through a heifer lease program, guiding children in county fairs and state competitions. The duo believes nurturing future generations helps create advocates for dairy farming in otherwise suburban environments.

“We have 14 kids at our local county fairs, state fair and some national shows with them,” Tim shares. “We try to help them with fitting and clipping animals, too.”

The couple work hard to help kids who otherwise wouldn’t get this experience and say if the urban kids show interest, it’s worth helping them out.

“Many of these kids live in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. If they go back and tell their friends how much they love cows, that is a good thing for our industry,” Megan says.

Megan Schrupp uses her past in veterinary medicine to lead the dairy’s health initiatives and implement new tools.

(Nexgen Dairy)

Embracing Technology
Technology forms the backbone of NexGen Dairy operations, with Megan leading data-driven decision- making processes framed by cutting-edge tools such as Alta CowWatch and Nedap collars. Their categorical approach to breeding optimizes herd health and productivity with a balanced plan using sexed semen and strategic sales of beef-on-dairy cross calves.

“In this day-and-age, making decisions is so crucial that we need to collect data that helps us make subjective decisions objective,” she says. “We need to dairy at the next level, and so we rely heavily on technology to bring us to that level.”

The herd’s focus is on both longevity and production with the top portion of the herd bred to sexed semen and the bottom portion to Angus. They breed just enough females to fill the pipeline of replacements and don’t want to raise any extra. The beef-on-dairy cross calves are sold within a few days of age, with a buyer who comes and picks them up when there is enough to fill the trailer.

“Beef cross calves usually leave anywhere from two to seven days,” Megan explains.

Sustainability and innovation can also been seen in the farm’s solar panels that were added in 2019.

At NexGen Dairy, Megan and Tim Schrupp are continuing their legacy while taking it to the next level.

(Nexgen Dairy)

Facing an Uncertain Future with Optimism
Despite the uncertainties that are facing the dairy industry today, the Schrupps continue to be steadfast in their overall mission. Their approach molds time-honored practices with new, cutting-edge technologies to help predict and capitalize on any emerging opportunities.

For Megan and Tim, dairying isn’t merely a profession, it’s a legacy that has continued and transformed with each passing generation.

“We both are grateful that we’ve been given this opportunity to actually run this farm,” Megan expresses. “It’s so hard if you are not in the industry to get where we are at, so I feel a big sense of gratitude that we’ve been given the opportunity.”

The Schrupps are not content with maintaining the status quo. They are pushing the envelope, continuously refining their processes, learning, growing and being inventive. They recognize the value of their team and seize each opportunity to propel their farm’s success further.

NexGen Dairy is more than just a dairy farm; it’s a progressive model of sustainability and innovation. Under their stewardship, the farm exemplifies how modern agricultural practices can coexist with a rich heritage. By fostering dedication, community involvement and technological advancements, they’ve set a meticulously blended blueprint for future success in dairy farming.

An Incredible Bird's-Eye Look at the State of the Dairy Industry

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:13:13 GMT

Editor’s Note: This is one article in a series that is included in the 2025 Farm Journal’s State of the Dairy Industry report. The full 16-page report will appear in the May/June issues of Dairy Herd Management and Milk Business Quarterly and will be published in this space over the next several weeks. To download the full report for free click here.
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The dairy industry is undergoing rapid transformation and innovation at an unprecedented pace. As part of its ongoing efforts to understand these shifts, Farm Journal recently conducted a comprehensive survey involving 400 dairy producers across the U.S.

These producers, representing herds ranging from 100 to 20,000 cows, provided valuable insights into their current operations and future outlooks.

Technology Integration

In an era where technology permeates nearly every aspect of life, the dairy industry stands at the forefront of this transformative wave. The integration of technology is no longer just an option; it has become a crucial step toward creating a more efficient and sustainable dairy industry. From feeding systems to health monitoring devices, technology helps dairy farmers optimize operations and ensure animal welfare.

A recent survey highlights a significant shift in the adoption of technology within the dairy sector. Remarkably, two-thirds of dairies now use at least one form of feeding technology. These innovations are designed to streamline the feeding process, providing precise nutrient delivery to livestock and reducing waste. The result is a noticeable improvement in both efficiency and sustainability.

Diversifying Revenue Streams

In today’s changing economic landscape, many dairy producers are finding innovative ways to sustain and grow their businesses. The key to survival during these turbulent times seems to be diversification.

Farm Journal’s recent survey reveals approximately one-quarter of dairy producers have embraced alternative land or dairy add-on revenue streams. This shift underscores the industry’s agility and adaptability as producers look for various avenues to boost profitability.

One strategy gaining traction is the beef-on-dairy operation. An impressive three-quarters of operators are now involved in at least one beef-on-dairy practice, with breeding and raising being the most common methods. Though there has been a decline in the number of producers raising animals under their beef-on-dairy operations over the past year, there is a notable increase in the sale of branded beef products. This shift highlights the evolving dynamics within the industry as producers adapt to market demands.

Next-Gen Transfers

A significant concern facing the industry today is the impending wave of retirements among dairy operators, many of whom have not established formal succession plans. This situation is becoming increasingly urgent, with surveys indicating that a quarter of these operators intend to retire within the next five years.

Contrary to the retirement trend, there is also a strong movement toward growth and expansion within the industry. Almost half of the operators express a desire to expand their operations in the near future. Such ambition suggests confidence in the industry’s potential and reflects a proactive approach to ensuring a sustainable future. At the same time, an equivalent number of operators are planning to maintain their current herd sizes, indicating a focus on maximizing efficiency and resource management.

Sustainability Program Awareness

Farm Journal’s recent survey reveals an array of insights regarding current sustainability practices and the prevailing awareness surrounding them. While the inclination toward adopting sustainable practices is reassuring, a deficiency in program awareness raises concerns that need to be addressed.

Encouragingly, over half of survey respondents (63%) reported participating in at least one sustainable practice. This trend is indicative of a growing societal shift toward environmental responsibility. Interestingly, larger operations, particularly those with substantial herd sizes and extensive acreage, tend to embrace sustainability more comprehensively. This trend is most pronounced in the Western region.

Reality of Workforce Shortages

A recent survey highlights the growing dependency of the dairy industry on non-family labor. For many respondents, non-family members consist of at least 50% of their workforce. This shift is indicative of broader changes within the industry as traditional family-run farms adapt to meet growing demands. However, hiring and retaining workers continues to be significant challenges. With evolving labor-related aspects indicating enduring challenges, the industry must explore viable solutions to continue thriving.

Despite the adoption of new technologies, the challenges of hiring and retaining a reliable workforce remain. Farmers must continue to balance the integration of technology with human labor, ensuring that both aspects work in harmony to drive growth and productivity. These changes suggest a long-term shift in how labor is approached, maintaining traditional farming values while embracing modern advancements.

Optimistic Horizon

The dairy sector is witnessing renewed confidence, energized by innovative strategies and fueled by a younger generation of forward-thinking dairy operators ready to embrace change. Their willingness to adopt advanced technologies and improved herd management techniques is reshaping the landscape of dairy farming. By integrating strategic solutions, these operators are setting a new standard that promises to uplift the entire industry.

According to surveys, 44% of producers plan to expand their operations in the next five years. This drive to scale indicates a strong belief in the trajectory of the dairy industry and its ability to thrive amid changing global dynamics.

The 2025 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report is available for download here .

McDonald’s USA, Syngenta and Lopez Foods Collaborate to Help Grow U.S. Beef Sustainability

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:29:00 GMT

McDonald’s USA, Lopez Foods, a multi-protein producer and long-term supplier to McDonald’s, and Syngenta North America, a leader in agricultural technology, announced that they are collaborating to increase feed efficiency, a move that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions released per pound of meat produced, as part of efforts to improve the overall sustainability of beef production.

The partnership leverages Syngenta’s Enogen^® corn, an exclusive in-seed innovation, shown to increase feed efficiency in cattle and thereby help reduce emissions intensity compared to other corn.

“At Syngenta, we’re convinced improving the sustainability of the global food system can be accelerated through innovation and collaboration,” says Justin Wolfe, President of Syngenta Seeds. “We’re proud of the great attributes of our Enogen^® corn, and how our work can help enable McDonald’s and their beef supply chain to deliver impact.”

“McDonald’s is starting with a priority ingredient for our company – beef,” says Kendra Levine, Director of U.S. Sustainability for McDonald’s. “We believe the innovative collaboration with Syngenta is an opportunity to help us make progress toward our science-based climate targets.”

The science behind Enogen^® corn is an alpha amylase enzyme that quickly converts starch to usable sugars, thus delivering more engergy to cattle while being easily digestible. University research has shown that feeding Enogen^® as silage or grain can improve feed efficiency by about 5%, according to Syngenta.

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) shows potential for environmental savings resulting from this increased efficiency, including lower emissions of greenhouse gases and lower use of land, energy, and water per unit of production.Specific findings show that, per 1,000 head of beef cattle, this collaboration could potentially achieve annual savings of:

196 tons (178 metric tons) CO2e in GHG reduction
69 acre reduction (28 hectare) in land use for growing feed
6 million fewer gallons (22 million liters) of water used
231 thousand kilowatt-hours energy savings

McDonald’s plans to scale this program to help deliver over 164,000 metric tons CO2e per year.

A New Chapter for a Once Notorious Oregon 'Mega-Dairy' Site Draws Attention to CAFO Permits

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:42:17 GMT

Situated near Boardman, Oregon, a once infamous ‘mega-dairy’ site has embarked on a new journey, signaling a shift away from its controversial past. Known for its significant environmental violations and hefty fines, the site is now undergoing a transformation that makes its return to dairy farming highly unlikely. The current owner, Canyon Farms, is in the process of decommissioning the site as a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO).

The Troubled Past of Lost Valley Farm
Back in 2017, Lost Valley Farm received a CAFO permit from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to house 30,000 dairy cattle. The farm’s problems began almost immediately. Owner Greg te Velde jumped the gun by housing cows before the necessary facilities were completed and without finalizing a waste management plan.

By the following year, Lost Valley Farm was facing severe repercussions for its mismanagement. The farm accumulated more than 200 violations, resulting in the ODA improving $187,000 in fines for issues such as overflowing manure lagoons and leaky waste storage systems. Unable to withstand the regulatory and financial pressure, Lost Valley eventually filed for bankruptcy.

Changing Hands and Continued Challenges
After its bankruptcy, the farm changed ownership several times. When Easterday Dairy took over, the site continued to struggle with regulatory compliance, ultimately leading to its closure in 2019, and the site was left without any cattle.

In 2023, Canyon Farms, managed by Fall Line Capital – a California-based venture capital firm – acquired the site. This new ownership brought a different approach, taking significant steps to address past violations and move closer to a fresh start. In April of the current year, Canyon Farms submitted an application to decommission the site as a CAFO. As the decommissioning process continues, the future of the former Lost Valley Farm site remains open-ended.

Oregon’s Commitment to CAFO Compliance
It’s important to note that the actions of one farm should not tarnish the reputation of others. Tami Kerr, executive director of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association (ODFA), emphasizes this point, highlighting Oregon’s progressive approach to CAFO compliance.

“Oregon was one of the first states to adopt the CAFO program over thirty years ago as a progressive measure to protect water quality,” she explains

“The Oregon CAFO program maintains some of the highest compliance rates in the nation and is something we are incredibly proud of.

Oregon’s dairy farmers adhere strictly to environmental regulations and prioritize sustainable farming practices. These farmers are committed to protecting the environment and the health of their communities.”

A Future Under Scrutiny
Any future developments at the former Lost Valley Farm site will unfold under increased environmental awareness and community scrutiny. Despite the challenges faced by Lost Valley Farm, Kerr notes that Oregon dairy farms significantly contribute to the local economy, providing jobs and supporting rural communities.

“Our farmers are integral members of these communities, deeply invested in their well-being and committed to sustainable farming practices,” she concludes.

As Canyon Farms navigates the process of decommissioning the site, the story of this former ‘mega-dairy’ serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance and sustainable farming practices. Whether the future holds the promise of renewal or reinvention, one thing is certain: the past will weigh heavily in shaping the road ahead.

FDA Approves Elanco’s New, First-in-Class Methane-Reducing Feed Ingredient

Wed, 29 May 2024 19:24:18 GMT

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated recently announced that the FDA has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle.

According to the company, Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow’s rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow per day can reduce methane emissions by about 30% or about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions annually while creating an opportunity for dairy farmers to be financially rewarded for reducing their dairy’s carbon footprint. Feeding one million cows, Bovaer would reduce emissions equivalent to removing more than 285,000 cars from the road for a year, Elanco states. Feeding Bovaer to cattle has proven to be safe for animals, producers and consumers.

“This monumental announcement has the ability to accelerate the opportunity for climate-neutral dairy farming while creating a new revenue stream for dairy farmers across the country,” says Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We appreciate FDA’s commitment to maintaining high standards for science-based review, while balancing the need to quickly bring solutions to the market. Bovaer represents another example of Elanco being a partner of choice in animal health, where the capabilities of our talented R&D, regulatory and commercial teams are delivering significant value.”

Industry experts are also applauding the approval of this first-ever ingredient.

“The FDA’s approval of Elanco’s Bovaer is another important step on U.S. dairy’s journey toward a net-zero future, one in which dairy farmers have already made great progress,” says Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “Bovaer and other new technologies that reduce enteric emissions will help U.S. farmers be rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability initiatives, which is critical for the success of such efforts”

Sustainability experts have also chimed in.

“Reducing enteric methane is critical if we are to reach our climate goals,” said Dr. Frank Mitloehner, CLEAR Center Director and University California Davis Professor and Cooperative Extension Air Quality Specialist. “It’s exciting our farmers will have an important tool to do that, in Bovaer.”

With milk prices lacking, input cost climbing and consumer perception becoming ever more important, Elanco states that feeding Bovaer to cows provides a scalable and credible way for dairy farmers to benefit from being good stewards of the environment while also being financially rewarded for implementing on-farm sustainability interventions.

“At an added cost of a few cents a gallon of milk, Bovaer can help food companies meet their climate commitments and consumer desire for more sustainable dairy products,” says Katie Cook, Vice President, Livestock Sustainability and Farm Animal Marketing at Elanco. “Meanwhile, by engaging in voluntary carbon markets and securing USDA and state conservation programming, dairy producers have a scalable sustainability practice with the potential to create an annual return of $20 or more per lactating cow by feeding Bovaer. Our goal is to make this opportunity a reality starting this summer, while creating a self-sustaining carbon inset market for American agriculture.”

For more on nutrition, read:

Mars Announces New $47 Million Sustainable Dairy Plan

Thu, 09 May 2024 13:55:48 GMT

With the goal of cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by the year 2030, Mars Inc. has announced the launch of their ambitious sustainable dairy plan, Moo’ving Dairy Forward, that will be backed by a $47 million investment over three years.

Mars says that as part of the Moo’ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan, a new industry-leading collaboration with dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s largest dairy producers, is set to result in the establishment of the Mars-FrieslandCampina Sustainable Dairy Development Program – an initiative that will dedicate a group of farms to Mars’ dairy supply. To deliver more sustainable dairy, the program will serve as a platform where new practices and innovative technologies can be refined and scaled-up in a focused and accelerated environment, with an ultimate goal of broader adoption across the entire co-op.

“Doing our part to keep our planet healthy is an absolute non-negotiable for us at Mars,” said Amanda Davies, chief R&D, procurement and sustainability officer, Mars Snacking. “But our vision for more sustainable dairy will only become a reality with the support and actions of farmers and our suppliers. Which is why, as part of our Moo’ving Dairy Forward Sustainable Dairy Plan, we’re putting millions of dollars directly back into the pockets of farmers through our contracts to help them make climate-smart changes to the way they farm. Together, I know that we can forge a path that helps address climate change head on and contributes to reshaping our wider industry for a more sustainable future.”

According to the company, Mars will work with a cohort of industry leaders to implement a host of meaningful on-farm interventions focused on critical areas such as enteric methane reduction, efficient manure management and sustainable feed production.

In conjunction with the company’s plan, Mars has launched three pilot “net zero” dairy farms with the DMK Group in Germany. The sites will study and aim to implement new science and technology with an ambition to create a scalable and economically viable pathway to net zero for dairy. According to the company, the five-year project is a first-of-its-kind for the prominent food and pet care and services conglomerate.

To help reduce methane production, Mars is also partnering with Fonterra and Sea Forest to explore sourcing from their SEAFEED™ seaweed food supplement trial. The trial seeks to demonstrate how SEAFEED™ helps reduce the quantity of methane cows generate in digesting their food.

Currently, more than 200,000 cows and 1,000 farms supply dairy for Mars’ iconic billion-dollar confectionery brands like M&M’S® and SNICKERS®.

For more industry news, read:

Athian and Elanco Animal Health Team Up to Transform Food Production through Methane Reduction

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:22:13 GMT

Athian (athian.ai) announced the establishment of the first-of-its-kind voluntary livestock carbon insetting marketplace, with the first accepted protocol aimed at reducing enteric methane emissions and improving feed utilization by using innovative feed management products from Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN). This new carbon marketplace creates an opportunity for farmers to monetize their greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Athian is verifying its first farms and creating, certifying and selling carbon credits within the dairy value chain. This means:

Dairy farmers of all sizes now have the opportunity to implement on-farm sustainability interventions, measure the impact and participate in third-party verification for their greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The resulting carbon credits can be offered for sale in Athian’s livestock carbon insetting marketplace.

Companies in the dairy value chain (such as consumer-packaged goods companies and food retailers) can then purchase those carbon credits as contributions towards achieving their Scope 3 emissions reduction goals.
With the purchase of these credits, economic value is returned to the farmer via the sale while supporting the U.S. dairy industry progress towards their own environmental commitments of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.1
Over the long term, this marketplace will expand to other livestock & poultry.

“Athian’s first carbon credits for dairy are an exciting and crucial step as they demonstrate the ability to tangibly quantify and verify greenhouse gas emissions reductions and create monetary value for farmers for their efforts,” said Paul Myer, CEO of Athian. “This marketplace, specifically designed for the animal protein industry, is different than traditional offsetting carbon marketplaces because it keeps the value—economic value as well as positive environmental value—in the animal protein value chain.”

Empowering Farmers with Economic Opportunities

Despite widespread awareness of carbon markets by farmers, only 3% of farmers are participating in these markets today, according to a recent survey cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).2 Creating an inset market model that works with recognized supply chain partners makes it easier for farmers to measure and implement rigorous verifications, will help break these barriers to entry and accelerate progress.

“As a co-creator and seed investor in Athian, we’re excited to see the company reach the milestones that will bring new value to farmers and help them advance toward climate-neutral farming,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO of Elanco Animal Health. “As a leader in animal health, we’ve focused first on delivering enteric methane reduction solutions to producers. If the entire U.S. dairy industry leveraged this intervention, it would avoid 4.7 million metric tons of CO2e emissions annually from enteric, feed and manure emissions. This is a game changer for value creation throughout the food chain, and it’s just the start. Environmental sustainability needs to be grounded in farmer profitability.”

Elanco also developed UpLook™, an insights-based engine designed to measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions. The tool utilizes on-farm data and peer-reviewed science to identify key drivers of an operation’s carbon footprint and track the progress of their sustainability efforts. UpLook connects seamlessly to Athian’s cloud-based verification system to help farmers quantify their reduction efforts and certify carbon credits for sale.

Enabling The Value Chain to Achieve Sustainability Goals

Food companies and retailers have made public commitments to collectively reduce more than 100 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Despite the progress in corporate target-setting, the reduction of Scope 3 emissions, which typically come from the production of raw materials like milk, has been a significant challenge. The creation of Athian’s insetting livestock carbon credit marketplace provides companies in the animal protein value chain the opportunity to make meaningful progress toward their Scope 3 greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Enteric methane reduction carbon credits are now available for purchase through Athian’s insetting carbon marketplace.

America's Largest Cattle Emissions Research Facility Unveiled at Colorado State University

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:04:04 GMT

Nestled in a beautiful secluded mountain valley at an elevation of 9,000 ft., the Colorado State University (CSU) beef feedlot in Ft. Collins served as the location for AgNext’s climate-smart research facility ribbon cutting ceremony. According to Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, director of CSU’s AgNext program, the grand opening was not only the celebration of the unique partnership between academia and industry partners, but also salutes the facility and the research they’ve conducted to date.

“We hear from our stakeholders what they want us to work on and their most significant challenge is the emissions from beef and dairy production systems,” Stackhouse-Lawson says. “Although, measuring those incidents is very challenging. It’s very expensive and it requires very specialized equipment to be able to do that. They said, ‘What do you need?’ With the support of industry partners, we have built the largest research facility of its kind in the United States.”

CSU’s feedlot is focusing on research for sustainability in animal agriculture and is equipped with 3 million dollars of equipment that allows scientists to track everything that goes into each cow, along with some of what comes out.

In April, Dairy MAX, who represents 900 farmers in eight states, including Colorado, aligned with CSU’s AgNext program to help support efforts to improve sustainability in animal agriculture.

“We are excited to work collaboratively with Dairy MAX and its farmers on the advancement of cutting-edge technology development and innovative management strategies that continue driving the dairy industry toward sustainable outcomes,” Stackhouse-Lawson said.

Measuring Cattle Emissions

Specialized feed bins use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track every ounce of corn consumed on a per-cow basis. Another piece of equipment called the GreenFeed machine analyzes the gases cattle exhale.

Stackhouse-Lawson shares that their first GreenFeed machine arrived a year ago, but due to some early-on challenges, they were not able to successfully start measuring emissions until November of 2022.

Despite common misconceptions, the majority of methane comes out of the cow’s front end in the form of enteric emissions. So, each time a cow gets a snack from the GreenFeed machine, CSU staff can gather information.

(Farm Journal)

“The air gets pulled from around the animal’s face, and whatever they’re respiring out goes directly into the machine. We can get real-time methane emissions data from that,” Stackhouse-Lawson explains.

(Farm Journal)

The CSU staff says their goal is to find solutions that can best help mitigate emissions to cut the climate impact of beef.

“We also want to advance our work related to dairy sustainability,” Stackhouse-Lawson states. “Like how can we help develop scalable sustainable solutions for western dairies? How do we do a better job measuring the impact of those practices and then translate that into talking points so that people who are more interested in science can share those learnings.”

Stackhouse-Lawson shared that there is too much variability between animals and between regions for individual operations to know the individual carbon footprint of their own herds. She also says that initial data illustrates quantities of methane cows produce can vary wildly from animal to animal, suggesting an entirely new frontier for the research.

“Is there a genetic component?” Stackhouse-Lawson asks. “Would we select animals that have lower methane?”

The CSU team is also looking at other variables like feed additives that can cut emissions outright.

(Farm Journal)

“The whole goal here is to learn what our greenhouse gas footprint is, and then how can we improve it,” Tom McDonald, Vice President of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, said.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC has loaned all the emissions research animals to CSU. In addition, Five Rivers also supplied the animals’ feed and has donated $600,000 worth of equipment to the cause, including the GreenFeed machines that collect and analyze cow exhalations.

“We are thankful to all our industry partners to make this research possible,” Stackhouse-Lawson says.

Give It a Name: Family Ranch Adds Value to Common Practice with New Beef Label

Thu, 18 May 2023 13:46:06 GMT

For fifth-generation rancher, Jaclyn Wilson, raising cattle is nothing new, and her family’s traditions and dedication to the industry run deep. However, what started over 130 years ago as a family homestead in northwestern Nebraska has quite literally stretched far beyond what may have been imagined back in 1888.

(Farm Journal)

While many of the daily ranching tasks for Jaclyn and her father, Blaine, are similar to those of past generations, the family’s operation, Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch near Lakeside, Neb., has continued to keep up with the cattle industry’s best practices, innovation and technology.

A predominantly Red Angus and Red Angus/Simmental composite operation, the Wilsons can be found tending to their spring and fall calving cow-calf herds, their long yearlings and the Flying Diamond Beef program.

Direct-to-Consumer Beef Business

Like many beef producers who initiated a direct-to-consumer component to their cattle operations in recent years, the Wilsons capitalized on the opportunity to share their beef with consumers in 2019.

(Farm Journal)

Over the last few years, the business has grown to ship all across the U.S. using ground and air transportation. However, simply marketing their family’s beef as a ranch-raised product was not where they stopped.

Seeing the push towards environmental stewardship, the Wilsons took their beef business one step further.

“We all know that ranchers are the original conservationists, right?” says Jaclyn. “I think every rancher knows that. Surprisingly, a lot of consumers don’t understand that concept because they’re getting drowned out by the media saying cattle are harming the environment, etc.”

In late April, the Wilsons launched their special Envirosmart Beef Label, which is currently in the trademark process.

“What we’re really trying to do here is we’re trying to use a combination of genomics and technology in order to really focus on some of that environmental impact that we’re having. Because I love our Sandhills operation, and I know it’s better now than it was 135 years ago,” Jaclyn adds.

(Farm Journal)

What is Envirosmart Beef?

The program focuses on three main concepts including:

Human wellbeing – This includes bettering the beef and non-beef community, including educating consumers, working to help with mental health, and utilizing interns and teaching future generations.

Animal wellbeing – This refers to doing the best for the animals by implementing animal health and wellbeing management practices.

Environmental wellbeing – This focuses on taking care of the land, including the use of grazing rotation systems, identifying plant species and plant diversity, as well as looking at wildlife populations.

Jaclyn notes that since the ranch already utilizes these practices, it was time to give it a name.

Along with following the three concepts, cattle gaining the family’s official Envirosmart Beef Label must be tested through the Neogen’s Feeder Identity Program. Using a genomic sample of the animal, along with initial weights from when the animal enters the feeding facility and ration information, an “optimal days on feed” determination is made for each individual animal.

“So, the goal is that we’re able to pinpoint better when those cattle will reach their peak performance,” Jaclyn explains. “Which, surprisingly, for us, we found out that it was significantly fewer days than what we were feeding cattle.”

Jaclyn says before implementing this practice, 1550 lbs. was considered her “ideal out weight.” However, following the feeder identity program, the optimal finishing weights of their cattle were found in the 1400 lbs. range.

“In theory, the thought process is, and they’re working on this research to prove it, but in theory, for every so many days you feed above the [optimal weight], you’re adding to your carbon footprint,” Jaclyn explains. “So, it hopes that if we can make feeding more efficient and utilize genomic [testing] to reach that optimal peak performance for that animal, that animal can go to harvest faster, be more efficient, and at the same time maybe we can reduce some of that carbon footprint.”

(Farm Journal)

Value-Added Beef

As Jaclyn explains, all the cattle on their operation would qualify to be part of their program. However, it’s the genomic testing that sets their two product lines—Classic and Envirosmart—apart.

Since launching the brand on Earth Day, Jaclyn says the Envirosmart option has predominately traveled to the east and west coasts.

The Wilsons have been able to capitalize on the specific consumer preference and add a premium to their “green label” boxes—that more than pays for the animal’s genomic test to be part of the program.

(Farm Journal)

Jaclyn says that the niche program has been a way to expose more consumers to how beef is raised.

“I think it’s a win-win for the industry in general, because it’s able to get a story across that ranchers out there are doing the right thing in terms of land and livestock management. It gives us more exposure to some of those people that might not have a clue as they’ve never bought beef outside of a grocery store,” Jaclyn explains.

More information about the Wilson family’s Flying Diamond Beef Envirosmart Beef Label and their family’s ranch can be found on their website— www.flyingdiamondbeef.com . Jaclyn can also be found @FDGenetics on Twitter.

(Farm Journal)

How Rendering Works: Boiling Down the 'Invisible Industry'

Mon, 01 May 2023 13:19:35 GMT

While everyone looks forward to the main course, there’s an entire industry focused on the “leftovers.”

Known as the “invisible industry” and the “original recycling,” rendering serves as an invaluable piece of the animal agriculture industry and provides a wide range of products.

According to the North American Renderers Association (NARA), nearly 50% of every meat animal is considered waste, including bones, fat, blood, feathers and some internal organs. However, through the process of rendering, animal byproducts take on new life to be used as ingredients in pet and livestock feed, biofuels, fertilizers and many household products, including soap, paints, glue and rubber.

With the inaugural National Rendering Day on April 21, Anna Wilkinson, vice president of communications for NARA, joined AgriTalk host, Chip Flory, to further explain the importance of rendering, especially when it comes to the environmental footprint.

“Not everybody understands rendering,” Wilkinson explains. “So, when a consumer buys a product that uses rendered material, we want them to know that they can feel confident that they’re making an environmentally responsible choice.”

While the national day of celebration was created with the hope of bringing awareness to rendering, Wilkinson says it’s also a great way to show appreciation for those in the rendering industry, recognizing the important work they do.

According to NARA, renderers collect 56 billion pounds of raw materials every year in the U.S. and Canada, which are then recycled into 10 billion pounds of fat and oil products and 9 billion pounds of protein products annually.

“Rendering really deserves to be a part of the reduced food waste and sustainability conversation,” Wilkinson notes. “It really is a circular process, and we feel we can help educate on why that is.”

(Farm Journal)

The rendering process returns 3.7 billion gallons of clean water to rivers and streams, and reduces greenhouse gases, according to NARA, by avoiding carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gas emissions from natural decomposition like in a compost pile or landfill. Specifically, the process of rendering sequesters five times the amount of GHGs than what is produced, and rendered biofuel products produce 80% less carbon emissions than the alternative petroleum diesel, NARA says.

(Farm Journal)

While the environment and sustainability are key benefactors of rendering, it’s also important to note that the industry is financially stable and economically provides $10 billion annually, helping contribute to food security through the production of livestock feed and fertilizers, as well as supporting thousands of full-time jobs with benefits, many in rural areas.

For more information on rendering, visit NARA’s website .

Is Technology the Answer to Dairy’s Sustainability Triple Threats?

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

As commentators are fond of pointing out from a sustainability perspective the most productive farms, the most productive cows, are also those that are the most sustainable with the lowest carbon footprint. As they say if all cows in the world performed at same standard as the average US cow would reduce the global carbon footprint by 90%. Despite this it is an irony that the most sustainable cows are still those that seek the most improvement and those producers are typically those embracing technology to make this happen.

In a year when dairy profitability is as good as any time in recent history, it might seem like a strange time to talk about the sustainability of our current model of milk production. Critics of dairy production don’t evaluate sustainability in terms of our ability to pass the farm to the next generation, and they are putting milk farms are squarely in the crosshairs. Livestock farming in general is the target of diverse groups, with Governments and even the UN focused on forcing changes in production. There are three main threats to Dairy: lowering the carbon footprint, assuring continued availability of affordable water and a qualified labor force.

Hotter summers, with the lack of rain and wildfires, have equally created havoc on our dairy farms. The resulting challenges are clear. Water consumption and increased water prices presents clear and real dangers, while working in over 100 degrees presents challenges in finding the right people to work on the farm.

The word sustainability is challenging to address when it is defined differently by different agencies. Add to that questions that ESG as it is becoming increasingly known accommodates a lot of different and competing demands which can be contradictory. Farmers concern is that ESG is a stick to beat them with, a slippery slope of activist demands, often out of step with the delivery of food that today is affordable and safe.

What is the path out of this? The food business demonstrates what is possible, re-imagine sustainability through better farming. Technology is part of how producers respond to ESG demands.

Water Recycling

Water on the farm is critical to cows, washing the barns and milking parlors, and not least cooling cows in hot weather. Finding ways to purify water and make it potable from manure, farm waste, is the work of different startups and scale ups including Livestock Water Recycling (LWR) who have been part of the World Dairy Tech Spotlight and more recently US dairies have installed Sedron Technologies and Regenis to separate manure into fertilizer and drinkable water.

Methane Capture

Methane digestors not only capture a greenhouse gas from manure, and can receive credits for that, but can become even more cash positive when the use of food waste makes the farm energy positive. Over 40 companies are now offering different methane digestors to US Dairy producers. California legislation has driven interest in this area but half a dozen more states are considering similar rules, but challenges remain since most farm methane digestors haven’t been profitable on their own, and without grants would never have been funded. Will methane generate more revenue than milk ? The Dynamic Group suggest that methane can boost revenue per cow by 10-30%.

Alternative energy

The use of wind turbines is so common that cattle often use their shadow to shelter when outside from the sun. Solar panels are becoming common also so its not surprising that farm systems are being imagined where crops or livestock could use solar panels as shade or shelter and ‘agrovoltaics’ is the concept of creating synergies. If you aren’t familiar with it I recommend checking out out Iberdrola or the Massachusetts SMART program.

Labor saving

US farms value labor as never before. Its not just the quantity of labor but also the availability of the most valuable workers; those who through a cow-centric approach and understanding cow-comfort recognize things that the average employee does not, no matter how hard they work. The use of Robotics continues to explode in the US and globally milking cows, cleaning barns, automating feed pushups and now Pharm Robotics is doing robotic vaccinations in US Dairy. Cow sensors have continued to grow in usage, with Antilleq monitoring over 1 million US cows and another dozen providers offering different wearables most notably Nedap’s CowControl. Sensors such as the recent launch of the Labby hand-held milk sensor, EIO and SomaDetect, allow producers to identify milk quality and indicators of cow health in real time. Camera solutions continue to grow (Cainthus, Cattle Eye, CattleCare) both in the milking parlor and in the barn to identify cow comfort, manage feed costs and identify problems in cows and the milk procedures. The goal of such technologies is to save money and time, through productivity, but the main success has been when it informs better, faster, decision making by farm workers.

As I opened with in this article, however, the best way forward to lower the footprint of dairy farms is to increase the productivity per cow in terms of milk production, and the conversion of nutrition into milk. Researchers also suggest that the carbon footprint of a cow with more lactations is lower than a cow with fewer. One proposal to improve the sustainability of dairy production globally has been to bring all cows up to US productivity levels, and in such a case the world wouldn’t need to have 300 million cows but just 30. More radically if cloning is allowed, and we could achieve the same level of milk production from all cows as we have with a cow with the world’s record for production, we could cut the global herd to just 3 million cows. Activists may not be ready for this solution, but it demonstrates the core fact that highly productive farms are also the ones with the lowest environmental footprint. And the best farms in the world are those who are embracing technology most quickly, and likely to continue to maintain their lead over their less-performing counterparts.

Varcor: From Dairy Waste to Drinking Water

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 16:59:31 GMT

It’s a story of ultimate sustainability, and it’s already happening on U.S. dairy farms.

The VarcorTM system from Washington state-based Sedron Technologies converts dairy manure into high-value components in a continuous closed loop, all without tractors, manure spreaders, or waste lagoons.

The three products of the system all are highly useful for the dairy of origin, or as salable commodities for potential value-added revenue streams. They include:

Concentrated aqueous ammonia
Dry, pathogen-free, weed-free NPK fertilizer; and
Clear water suitable for irrigation or cattle drinking water.

According to its developers, the Varcor can process any liquid waste stream with suspended or dissolved solids in it. In addition to dairies, Varcor systems are being used in municipal wastewater treatment plants in the U.S.

The Varcor system is based on the process of mechanical vapor recompression. Liquid manure slurry enters the system, and the solid and liquid fractions are separated through thermal evaporation. The dry solids are heated and removed, while the vapor portion is sent to a compressor, where it undergoes mechanical recompression. The product of that step – compressed vapor – is then used as the heat source to fuel the evaporation that processes the dry fertilizer.

Meanwhile, the low-boiling-point components, such as ammonia, are concentrated and extracted separately, and the clean water is distilled and harvested from the saturated liquid. The process is very similar to the creation of solid and liquid fractions that occurs in milk powder manufacturing plants.

On dairy farms, the Varcor has a similar purpose to on-farm methane digesters – to capture and utilize dairy manure in a sustainable and value-added fashion. But Sedron points out multiple benefits to the Varcor compared to digesters.

Specifically, they note the Varcor kills 100% of bacterial pathogens from start to finish, compared to about 90% for most digesters. They say the Varcor also eliminates the risk of nutrient and bacteria leaching or run-off, and has the ability to separate nitrogen into concentrated fertilizer, while a digester system does not.

The DeJong Family of Natural Prairie Dairy , Hartley, Texas, have been early adopters of the Varcor. Owner Donald DeJong was searching for a more sustainable alternative to his organic dairy’s traditional lagoon system. Along with the environmental risks associated with maintaining lagoons, DeJong wanted to capture the valuable nutrients that literally were evaporating off of them.

The DeJongs now are in their fourth year of utilizing the Varcor at both their Texas Panhandle dairy and a satellite facility near Lake Village, Ind. Both dairies are certified organic and employ the components processed by the Varcor in their cropping systems. The water fraction has been utilized for both cattle drinking water and crop irrigation.

The adoption of the completely closed-loop system has been timely in helping Natural Prairie Dairy adapt to current market conditions. Recycling wastewater makes their dairies less vulnerable to drought challenges, while the liquid and dry fertilizer products are helping mitigate the shocks of skyrocketing fertilizer prices and short supplies.

Sedron Technologies intends to install six additional Varcor systems this year, on dairies in Indiana, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin, with longer-term plans for a nationwide presence that could expand into other livestock sectors as well.

Elanco Animal Health Doubles Down on Improved Environmental Sustainability and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Production

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 18:14:55 GMT

As part of a multi-year initiative to restore working grasslands in western Kansas, Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN) and Ducks Unlimited are pleased to announce results from the year-one effort. In 2021 alone, the joint initiative helped to:

• Restore 1,525 acres of working grasslands – representing a nearly 53% increase over the originally anticipated acreage goal in year-one (1,525/actual vs. 1,000/goal)

• Improve carbon sequestration with 472.2 mtCO2e/year of increased sequestrationa and reduced emissions

• Support water quality of impacted playas through the removal of more than 36,000 kg of nitrogen and nearly 15,000 kg of phosphorous in runoffb

• Support the sustainability efforts of 20 Kansas landowners representing acreage in 30 different fields

“Improved environmental sustainability is about maintenance of good ecological outcomes and continual progress,” said Sara Place, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer, Elanco Animal Health. “Elanco is committed to supporting conservation efforts, such as this results-oriented program with Ducks Unlimited, while at the same time providing the market with first-of-its kind innovations – like Experior™ (lubabegron Type A medicated article) – to help further support the environmental sustainability efforts of cattle producers.”

Elanco and Ducks Unlimited Represent Leave it Better™ in Action

Earlier this year, Elanco announced the Leave it Better™ initiative as the organization’s overarching effort to provide resources, education, and support for the beef industry’s long-time sustainability endeavors. The Elanco and Ducks Unlimited partnership, which is part of the Leave it Better™ initiative, includes a commitment to donate $150,000 through 2023 for continuation of grassland restoration efforts on working lands in Kansas.

“Working with Ducks Unlimited and Elanco is essential because landowners can’t make that type of financial commitment upfront to get these programs started. Farmers at their heart are stewards of the land, but it has to be economically viable,” said Logan Campbell, Kansas landowner/participant in the Elanco and Ducks Unlimited program.

The Elanco investment in Ducks Unlimited is designated for the purchase of seed to establish native grassland buffers around restored playas in the region. Playas, which are seasonal wetlands, are a primary source of groundwater recharge and provide important, year-round habitat for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, in Kansas, playas contribute up to 95% of the water flowing to the Ogallala aquifer1, the largest aquifer in the United States and the single most important source of water in the High Plains region. In fact, recharge rates in playa basins are 10 to 1,000 times higher than surrounding upland areas1.Grassland buffers around playa’s remove 60-80% of nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff2, providing a cleaner water source for both people and animals.

“Our program partnership with Elanco is a great example of a commitment to improvement over time,” said Billy Gascoigne, Ducks Unlimited. “We are pleased with the results of our first year working together, and we look forward to teaming up for more positive outcomes in the future.”

Elanco Couples Conservation with Innovation

“The roots of healthy, thriving grasslands are an important way to help retain nitrogen to improve soil quality,” said Place. “While Elanco is investing in the Ducks Unlimited conservation efforts that restore grasslands and playas – and ultimately help to improve nutrient utilization in the land – products like Experior help to improve nutrient utilization in animals, specifically beef cattle.”

Elanco’s newest innovation, Experior, is approved for the reduction of ammonia gas emissions per pound of live weight and hot carcass weight in beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter during the last 14 to 91 days on feed. It is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product labeled to reduce ammonia gas emissions from an animal or its waste3. For more information about Experior and Elanco’s Sustainability Efforts, please visit www.experiorbeef.com or www.elancoleaveitbetter.com .

Multiple Routes to Cattle Methane Reduction Explored

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:24:00 GMT

The “decarbonization” of agriculture is both an emerging buzzword and objective of climate-change proponents worldwide.

For the cattle industry, methane emissions are a flashpoint heavily targeted by climate activist groups and government policymakers alike. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, methane has a warming effect more than 30 times greater than carbon dioxide. But on the plus side, methane stays in the atmosphere for only about a decade, compared to the centuries that carbon dioxide persists.

That’s why measurably reducing methane from agriculture – which the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says contributes about 40% of total global methane emissions – is viewed as a quick and efficient way to suppress greenhouse gases. In September 2021, the U.S. and European Union launched a joint Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030.

Livestock production – which the UNEP said contributes about 32% of human-linked methane – is a popular target for climate complainants. Who could forget U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’ infamous assertion that “farting cows” were responsible for the planet’s demise?

And yet, proactively limiting methane production may be the cattle industry’s most advisable route to preserving demand for real dairy and meat products. When created in “climate-friendly” fashion, these products could help deflect competition from alternatives like oat “milk,” avocado “ice cream,” and plant-based burgers. And they may even fetch a premium price.

There are a range of efforts underway worldwide to curb methane production by cattle, including:

Bovaer® , a synthetic feed additive developed by Dutch bioscience company Royal DSM . The product contains 3-NOP, an organic compound that inhibits cows’ methane production. DSM said just a quarter teaspoon of Bovaer per cow per day suppresses the enzyme that triggers methane production in a cow’s rumen within 20 minutes after consumption, then is safely broken down into compounds already naturally present in the cow’s digestive system. It has been shown to consistently reduce enteric methane emission by approximately 30% for dairy cows and up to 90% for beef cows, with no impact on feed intake, production, product quality, or animal welfare. Bovaer has been used experimentally in Canada, and currently has secured regulatory approval in Chili and Brazil, with approval in the Europe and other regions expected soon.

Asparagopsis seaweed is being researched as a feed additive for its similar ability to interrupt the enzymatic processes that produce methane. Research at the University of California-Davis has shown that feeding 3 ounces of seaweed per cow per day cuts methane production by more than 80%. Optimism about seaweed as a methane-busting feed additive has spurred development of Asparagopsis farms on the coasts of Australia, Hawaii and North America.

KowbuchaTM – a clever twist on the hipster-friendly fermented beverage, kombucha – is under early-stage development by New Zealand-based dairy processing giant Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. Fonterra is digging into its century-old stores of cultures used for cheese and yogurt production to develop a fermented bovine cocktail to alter the digestive processes that produce methane.

Other approaches to cattle methane production in conceptual stages are a vaccine to produce methanogen-targeting antibodies; and genomic evaluation to identify and select animals that are naturally low-methane emitters.

Q&A With Lindsay Reames, VP, Sustainability & External Relations, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:22:11 GMT

This article was written by Nate Birt, Vice President of Trust In Food, a Farm Journal initiative. Learn more at www.trustinfood.com

A dairy farmer-centered approach to sustainability is unlocking new economic opportunities for family operations from New York to Georgia while pushing the envelope of what’s possible from conservation partnership programs.
One such program—a joint effort of the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Turkey Hill Dairy and The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay—earned the 2020 Outstanding Supply Chain Collaboration Award from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Learn More about the 2020 Winners

What began in 2018 with support from a $250,000 Conservation Innovation Grant from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has grown rapidly into more than $7 million in outside funding helping many of the cooperative’s 900-plus farm families averaging 125 cows each across 13 states continue adopting best management practices.

“To me, that’s the most exciting thing, because when you actually see new manure storage going in, when you see a stabilized barnyard for that farm, that could be there for the next 50 years,” explains Lindsay Reames, vice president of sustainability and external relations for the cooperative in a video interview with Farm Journal’s Trust In Food. “It’s not only going to help with their runoff and improving the overall environment, it’s going to help with the long-term profitability of that operation when we’re able to bring that level of investment to the farm.”

Eighty-seven percent of the cooperative’s farms operate within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the largest estuary in North America and a water body that’s been deemed a National Treasure—so public and governmental scrutiny is especially top of mind for dairies. Partnerships such as this one present an opportunity to help dairy farmers further integrate sustainability into their businesses, which has changed the nature of dialogue about sustainability in the region.

“It’s really easy to have that conversation when you’re coming with resources and coming with solutions,” Reames says. “It’s a completely different conversation when you can come and say, ‘We have $60,000 to support you and your farm. How can we make you more sustainable?’ Rather than coming in and saying, ‘You have to do this, and you have six months.’”

Now, the cooperative and its partners in this program and others like it are using sustainability as a starting point for conversations about dairies’ plans for business growth and the future of the industry.

Learn more about sustainability trends and opportunities for eastern U.S. dairies in the attached video interview with Reames.

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4 Things To Know About Cattle And Their Impact on Sustainability

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 21:05:17 GMT

Sara Place likes to say that beef is the original plant-based meat. “I think it’s important for us to remember the power of ruminants and how amazing these critters are,” says Place, Ph.D., chief sustainability officer at Elanco.

(Farm Journal)

During a presentation at the 2021 Alltech ONE Ideas Conference, Place addressed sustainability and beef production. She says the topic is complex, and one reason for that is because people have different values.

“One person may prioritize animal welfare above an environmental footprint; another may prioritize the affordability of food above all other issues,” she explains. “It’s not that one person is right or wrong, it’s just the reality that this is the challenge we’re dealing with in a pluralistic society when it comes to sustainability.”

With that perspective in mind, Place addressed four common questions she hears from consumers.

1. With regard to resource competition, are livestock eating what could be food for humans?

She says yes, in part, but not as much of the total global feed ration as many people think.

According to analysis of research by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), about 14% of what livestock consume globally, mainly in the form of grains, could be eaten by humans directly. However, 86% of feedstuffs livestock eat are made up primarily of forages that cannot be consumed in a direct manner by people.

(Farm Journal)

“That’s really the headline—ruminants are able to upcycle, taking something with little or no value and upgrading those plants into higher value products,” she says. “That’s what livestock in general, and especially ruminants, excel at in the food system.”

Because the majority of the feed resources used to generate grain-finished beef in the United States is not in competition with the human food supply, and the protein value of beef to humans is 2.63 times greater than corn grain, the U.S. grain-finished beef system is generating more high-quality protein for the human populace than it is using.

“Cattle only need 0.6 kilograms of human edible protein in feed to make 1 kilogram of human animal protein and meat,” she says.

2. Is meat production taking place on land that should be used to grow crops?

Very little. The vast majority of land used for beef production is on land unsuitable for crop production.

“These are landscapes that are too arid, too rocky, and too steep for us to cultivate crops on directly,” she says.

While some groups and individuals would recommend pulling that land out of any agricultural use whatsoever, that move would likely be counterproductive.

Keeping a continuous cover of some type on highly erodible soils is a key to keeping erosion at bay, Place says.

“When ruminant animals are kept on those (fields), they allow for use of rotations and forage crops that can help improve soil health and water retention,” Place says.

Multifunctionality of land is another important consideration.

Place references the southern Great Plains as an area where multifunctionality works well. “Stocker cattle commonly graze winter wheat there until March or April. They are then removed, and the wheat is allowed to grow and be harvested for human food. In the milling process wheat provides byproducts that are then fed back to cattle, which are (then harvested for beef),” she says.

California almond “milk” and orange juice production are two other examples. Both provide byproducts that Place says are fed to dairy cattle that then produce milk and meat.

“For every 100 lb. of human food that comes from crops, 37 lb. of byproducts get generated,” she says. “That’s a global average, and a lot of those byproducts can be fed back to livestock.”

3. What is the impact of U.S. agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)?

About 9% to 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, Place says. She notes that animal agriculture contributes about 4%, and crop production contributes about 5%.

“The single-largest source of emissions in the United States would be burning fossil fuels,” she says. “Somewhere around 75% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are because we are burning fossil fuels, and releasing CO2 (carbon dioxide) that was locked in the Earth’s crust for a long time.”

4. How big an issue is methane production in the beef industry, and how do we address it?

Place says cattlemen are creating more beef today with fewer emissions.

(Farm Journal)

“When cattle go to feedyards and eat a diet containing more fermentable carbohydrates like corn, they tend to reduce their methane emissions,” Place says.

“They’re more feed efficient. And part of that efficiency is a result of not losing as many feed calories to methane; we’re capturing more of them in the animal,” she adds. “Essentially, we’re producing the same amount of beef today as in the mid-1970s, with a third fewer cattle.”

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Top Producer Summit: The State of Animal Agriculture

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:19:14 GMT

How can livestock production be a part of the climate change solution? Temple Grandin and Frank Mitloehner discuss the advancements in sustainability seen across the animal agriculture industry and what it means for the future. Learn the importance of animals as part of good soil health, and how animal welfare is part of sustainability.

Read more coverage and watch other sessions from Top Producer Summit.

Grandin, Mitloehner Serve Up Facts About Animal Ag and Greenhouse Gases

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 21:29:05 GMT

Climate change and sustainability are no longer topics that can be ignored as consumers and policymakers push for action. In a keynote crossover session for the Online Top Producer Summit and Trust in Food Symposium: Regenerative Reset , Colin Woodall, Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Frank Mitloehner shared the steps animal agriculture is taking to tackle sustainability. Learn more here .

Animal agriculture gets a bad rap when it comes to sustainability. But that is why it’s vital that the industry take a bigger role in correcting misperceptions and using its voice to be its own best advocate and share the strides it has made over the last few decades, said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. Modern cattle ranching produces the same amount of beef as was produced in the 1970s, but with a third fewer cattle—a change driven by the industry, without governmental mandates.

“We did so without the EPA telling us to do it, without Congress or the White House telling us to do it. And it’s taking that experience, taking that innovation as an industry and showcasing it to everybody,” Woodall said. “But also recognizing that we cannot rest on our laurels. We have to be committed to continual improvement. That’s the only way that we’re going to be able to be a serious participant at the table, discussing sustainability.”

It goes hand-in-hand with participation from producers. The word sustainability may bring to mind more regulations or burdens on their ranch, Woodall said. But to be sustainable, that narrative has to change. And part of that comes from support from industry leadership, like the NCBA.

“For the NCBA, our first priority with this new strategic plan is to focus on our membership to make sure that they understand that this is about showcasing the stewardship of producers, showcasing what we’ve already done, in order to make sure that they understand that this is all of us working together, to connect with the consumer, connect with the policymakers, rather than just waiting for somebody to tell us what we have to do.”

Dr. Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a pioneer in farm animal handling and welfare, stressed that as guidelines and processes are set, they must be clear and manageable in the long-term, not just to make a splash in the short-term.

“A few things about sustainability—a care for the environment is definitely is one of them. Then there’s the social responsibility where [animal] welfare would be part of that. And then the third thing is people do have to make a living. I want to emphasize make a living, not trying to make a killing,” she said. “The problem with some stuff that’s not sustainable is in the short term you make money, but in the long term you wreck things.”

Dr. Mitloehner, a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the department of animal science at the University of California, Davis, used his expertise to dispel some of the myths about greenhouse gases related to animal agriculture.

While livestock take a lot of flak for producing methane, the perception is wrong, Mitloehner emphasizes. Anyone who compares cows to cars has been misled into thinking that the two are similar in scale or process, but they’re not.

“In the U.S 80% of all greenhouse gases stem from the use of fossil fuel. And that’s transportation, power production/use, and the cement industry,” he said. “Livestock on the other side, in the U.S., emits approximately 4% of all greenhouse gases, according to the EPA.”

In terms of types of greenhouse gases, the methane that livestock produces is considered a flow gas—more is produced, but at the same time it has a much shorter half-life—10 years. So it’s not just produced, it’s also consumed. This is compared to the 1,000 years it takes to remove Co2, which is considered a stock gas. As more is created it’s added to the “stock,” and it’s a cumulative effect.

Another important factor: agriculture is one of the few industries that works as both a source and a sink for greenhouse gases.

“Most other sectors in society only produce greenhouse gases, but there are two sectors that are both sources, and sinks: forestry and agriculture. These land use sectors, forestry and agriculture, take on more carbon than they emit,” he said.

Mitloehner believes as technology changes and the use of things such as anerobic digesters become more commonplace, great strides can be made in a short time. Dairies in California are a prime example. The state passed a mandate to reduce methane emissions by 40% by the year 2030, and in just a few years, they have already reached a 25% reduction.

You can still register for the Online Top Producer Summit , which gives you access to content through March 31. Use the code “ONDEMAND” to take $25 off your registration fee.

Read more coverage of the Top Producer Summit .

New Milk Sustainability Center Launched by John Deere, DeLaval

Two ag industry powerhouses have announced the launch of the “Milk Sustainability Center,” a collaboration between John Deere and DeLaval.

The Milk Sustainability Center is not a physical place, but rather a “digital ecosystem” that integrates agronomic and animal performance into one unified platform. Its developers say it will help dairy producers enhance efficiency and sustainability while accommodating changing regulations that affect their operations.

“Dairy farmers can use the Milk Sustainability Center to monitor nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) across their farm, herd and fields,” the developers noted. “It collects animal and agronomic data, providing insights to help farmers manage nutrient utilization effectively and reduce the need for manual data input.”

Developed and powered by Dutch technology specialists at Dairy Data Warehouse BV (DDW), the Milk Sustainability Center will serve dairy farmers by integrating their machinery, milking equipment, and herd management software solutions into one platform to reduce the need for manual entry. The cloud-based platform folds together the agronomic data from the John Deere Operations Center^™ and the animal data from the DeLaval system, allowing consultants such as nutritionists and agronomists to provide more wholistic recommendations to the farmer.

The Milk Sustainability Center is currently available at no cost to an initial group of dairy farmers in the United States, Netherlands, and Germany, with plans to expand to other countries. John Deere and DeLaval invite interested dairy farmers in these areas to join the waiting list. As farmers are onboarded, the benefits of the Milk Sustainability Center will be extended to other farmers on the waiting list. For more information or to join the waiting list, visit milksustainabilitycenter.com or contact inquiries@milksustainabilitycenter.com .

U.S. Animal Ag Contributes to All 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

The Animal Agriculture Alliance released a new report detailing U.S. animal agriculture’s contributions to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Raising animals for food is at the heart of healthy, sustainable communities and healthy, sustainable diets. Generations of farmers and ranchers have put the health and well-being of animals first, while also caring for the land and its natural resources to ensure a viable future. In doing so, they have continued to provide nutrient-dense foods that cannot easily be replaced,” Animal Agriculture Alliance said in a release.

U.S. animal agriculture is actively contributing toward all 17 of the SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth and Climate Action, the report shows. The SDGs will be a central focus of the U.N.’s annual climate change conference, COP29, that is being held now through Nov. 22.

“The U.S. animal agriculture community is a world leader in sustainability efforts and has a proven track record of continued progress in environmental stewardship, food security, and more. Meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and seafood are at the heart of healthy, sustainable diets, playing a vital role in meeting nutritional demands and closing gaps in nutrient deficiencies,” Animal Agriculture Alliance said.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has concluded that, “Livestock serves as a crucial source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, and is vital for normal development and good health.”

The report highlights many examples of contributions being made toward each goal, including these:

• No Poverty (SDG 1): U.S. food and agriculture is an economic driver, providing 22.1 million jobs supporting local families and communities.

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood play a pivotal role in healthy, balanced diets. The U.S. dairy community alone is supplying enough protein for 169 million people, calcium for 254 million people, and energy for 71.2 million people.

• Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3): Animal-based foods are great sources of many essential nutrients – some of which are best and sometimes only found in meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood. These foods can also support weight management, satiety, physical fitness, and overall health.

• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): The U.S. animal agriculture community is always looking for new ways to innovate, including projects to recycle manure from the farm and convert it into renewable energy.

• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): The agriculture and food sector provides employment to 10.4% of the working population in the U.S., equating to roughly 22 million jobs for Americans. Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed approximately $1.53 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product in 2023, making up 6.5% of the share.

• Climate Action (SDG 13): Although incredible progress towards climate change efforts has already been made, the U.S. animal agriculture community remains committed to furthering that progress, including several pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Alliance notes it received a badge to participate in COP29 discussions, which has been shared with the Protein PACT to engage on behalf of animal agriculture.

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