Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is an important greenhouse gas (GHG) but it often takes a backseat in discussions about GHG emissions.

In today’s agricultural landscape, farmers face unprecedented challenges that influence every decision, including how to irrigate. High land values, shrinking water supplies, increased regulation and labor shortages are reshaping the way we approach irrigation.

Manure can be a valuable resource or a liability, especially at dairy farms, where cows produce lots of it. For years, farms have recycled manure nutrients, turning them back into feed and forage for cows by applying them as fertilizers to support crop production. However, handling and applying manure efficiently and sustainably can be challenging.

Producers can limit their risk exposure to costly mistakes in manure application by finding a custom application company that has the experience and knowledge to responsibly complete the job. A professional in the industry would have the proper equipment for your dairy operation, the range of knowledge needed for success and the capacity to get the job done in a timely fashion.

Francisco Peñagaricano, with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, believes selective breeding could provide practical and effective options for dairy farmers seeking to mitigate emissions from their future herds.

In the news as we approach the middle of December, a federal committee upholds dairy dietary guidelines, dairy farmers are invited to apply for financial incentives to implement climate-smart practices, farm income falls $41 billion in two years, and the first HPAI-positive dairy case is found in Nevada.