How to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit

Researcher James Humphreys joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with practical steps to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit. James outlines the emissions for dairy farms which are: 50% methane, 20% nitrous oxide (fertiliser), 20% ammonia (slurry, urine, faeces) and 10% carbon dioxide (electricity, diesel). At Solohead Research farm, a trial is being carried out to measure the reduction in nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions resulting for changes to farming practices. Switching to LESS and protected Urea reduces emissions by 9% which is readily achievable on farms with the resources available. LESS, protected Urea spread at half rate in combination with clover inclusion reduces emissions by 18%. LESS, white clover inclusion and no fertiliser use reduces emissions by 25%. Ceasing fertiliser use will reduce milk output by 5% but this is also associated with reduced costs. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2020/Lowering-the-carbon-footprint-of-pasture-based-dairy-production.pdf For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/