Feed production is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases from the dairy farm (after enteric methane). How does using land for cropland or pasture impact overall emissions?
Thinking of cover crops as an "annual forage" could help dairy farmers cycle them into their feed rotation.
Balancing rations for dairy cows is the best guarantee of efficient protein usage and improved dairy sustainability.
Reducing dairy greenhouse gas emissions is a whole-farm task. Cover crops and no-till are just one part of the solution.
We've talked about a bunch of big changes to improve dairy sustainability, but what small things can you do right now to improve dairy farm water and electricity use?
Four principles set the foundation for sequestering carbon in rangelands and pasture, but what are the options for carbon markets?
Anaerobic digesters can turn organic waste into natural gas and nutrient-rich digestate. But how do they work? And when can a digester installation pay for itself on a dairy farm?
Animal manure can boost microbial activity in the soil. It's a good way to add nutrients, improve crop growth, and promote healthy soils when used correctly. Check out this article for resources!
Read on for principles, options, and management opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving water quality.
Cover crops can be useful tools to capture excess nutrients. So what happens on a no-till dairy farm when cover crops are left on the field?
Say you're curious about measuring your dairy farm's emissions. An environmental footprint assessment is a great place to start.
Yup, you bet they can--by up to 30%. Check out the article for details about how they work.
A new feed additive is on its way to FDA clearance, and it can reduce enteric methane emissions by as much as 30% in cattle, with no side effects. Listen in for more info.
We've broken down where greenhouse gas comes from on the dairy; now, let's find out how we can measure GHGs.
Principles and strategies for reducing your on-farm greenhouse gas emissions, one small tweak at a time.
Enteric methane, manure, animal feed, and farm resources are the four big sources of on-farm GHG emissions. Read on to find out how emissions compare.
Anaerobic digestion makes use of nutrients in manure and food waste, turning what could have ended up in a landfill into biogas that can provide electricity, natural gas, or even power for homes in nearby towns.
Feed is the biggest cost for dairy farmers. Could using cover crops and no-till improve their sustainability and provide nutritious feed for dairy cows?
Enteric methane is potent, short-lived, and a major target for reductions to improve the sustainability of livestock production.
Methane is a product of enteric fermentation in a ruminant animal's gut. Read on to find out why it's important, and ways we can reduce enteric methane to improve livestock production.
Introducing livestock in a cropping system creates more ways for carbon to flow and transform. Read on for a better understanding of just how livestock change soil carbon.
Improving water quality on the dairy farm is all about keeping nutrients in the right place. Whether it's manure or fertilizer for crops, implementing cover crops, grassed waterways, and retention ponds can help. Check it out.
Enteric methane and manure are the two biggest sources of greenhouse gases from dairy production. What causes them, and how can we reduce them?
Methane--a potent, short-lived greenhouse gas--is the major emission from dairy production, but manure management can help decrease the amount of methane from the farm. Dig deeper to find out how.
Virtual fence can create invisible, movable boundaries to help manage cattle herds. It's a new technology, and the possibilities are exciting. But there are a few learning curves--listen in as a producer and researcher talk about the benefits and hurdles of using virtual fence.
Dairy greenhouse gas emissions are driven by the production of feed and enteric emissions. Read on for some ways to improve greenhouse gas emissions through diet formulation and feed production changes.
Learn about the different manure application techniques that can help you cut emissions while making the most of this abundant source of nutrients.
Nearly 30% of the entire land cover of the United States is rangeland. Finding ways to improve carbon sequestration in rangeland soils can boost soil health, improve farmer profits, and make great use of potential untapped carbon sinks
Dairies produce 1.5% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US, and manure ponds are a big part of it. Could running liquid dairy waste through worm beds help cut dairy emissions?