We believe that every dairy farm can benefit from developing a GHG footprint. Annual footprinting will help farmers keep their dairy business current as value chains increasingly ask for this information.

While recent changes in policy and markets have added uncertainty to the economics of digesters, the technology remains a valuable option for dairies looking to improve sustainability, prepare for a carbon-conscious future and manage manure more effectively.

As the conversation around carbon continues to evolve, the Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) held the Carbon Conference 3.0 in Madison, Wisconsin, at the end of January to inform dairy producers and allied industry of current strategies to turn carbon challenges into business opportunities.

Since the turn of the century, sustainability has been integrated into business strategies, giving birth to the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit. This has expanded how people think about sustainability. It is more than environment and includes economic and social or societal dimensions.   

Methane from agriculture, especially livestock, represents a significant portion of global methane emissions. Agriculture overall is responsible for 40%-50% of anthropogenic methane emissions, with ruminants accounting for roughly 56%-70% of methane from this figure.

Progressive Dairy Editor Jenn Coyne spoke with Jamie Leifker, president of Truterra, to learn more about industry efforts to support sustainable dairy farming practices and reach goals within the dairy supply chain.