Going forward, a dairy’s value will not only be determined by the quality of their milk, but by the scale of their climate impact.

There are several sustainability programs available for producers to adapt on their farms to receive carbon credits or some other incentive payment in return.

We meet regularly with our dairy clients and prospects, and compared to what we heard not long ago, the conversation has changed regarding what high-functioning farms are focused on today. 

Undoubtedly, ranching demands immense effort and sacrifices. The increasing pressure to adopt environmentally friendly practices can sometimes feel at odds with producer interests. However, carbon ranching presents an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate farmer and ranchers’ contributions in more ways than one.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) has been closely monitoring Bill C-282, a private members’ bill sponsored by the Bloc Québécois which would amend the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to ensure that supply management will no longer be a bargaining chip in trade negotiations.

Cattle grazing may be a good use of cattle grazing land, but it may not be the only good use. Particularly as nationwide climate goals have driven investment throughout the country in clean electric and carbon offset technologies, cattle graziers may find new market opportunities to make mixed use of cattle grazing land.

Instead of the dairy farmer focusing on growing, harvesting and feeding rations, the focus changes to growing and managing pastures and controlling the cows’ utilization of those pastures with the goal to optimize cow nutrition, pasture quality, pasture yield and overall soil health.