A report calling for a sharp reduction in livestock numbers to
help combat climate change and improve the nation's diet has been
prompting discussion online among farmers.
Farming organisations have been quick to condemn the report as
simplistic and ill-informed.
On the FWi forums there has been a mix of anger and
bemusement.
"Whether you have Afghan goats turning sparse vegetation into
good quality protein for humans or a Friesian cow grazing in
Carmarthenshire, at the end of the day there are huge chunks of
land around the globe where it's physically impossible and
economically unviable to grow crops," said JD Driver.
"On the other hand these areas are able to grow grass. Through
the process of photosynthesis we are utilising the free solar power
that falls upon these vast areas, and using the ruminant's ability
to convert something that we can't eat, into something that has
more essential amino acids than we care to imagine. In my mind this
is efficient!"
This sentiment was echoed by Andy H who said: "If these
researchers studied the symbiotic relationships between the grazing
animal and the plants they feed on, they would realise there is a
cycle whereby the animal wastes are utilised by the next generation
of forage plants, unlike the emissions from fossil fuels.
"It is this cycle that maintained the vast herds of wild
ruminants for millions of years without human 'management'.
"While emissions from intensive units are more concentrated, the
same principle applies, the waste products are derived from the
feed, and return to the vegetation both cultivated and natural.
"With the increasing interest in utilising the methane for
generating electricity, this renewable resource will become an
asset rather than a pollutant."
Are you fed up of agriculture being the scapegoat for climate
change? What do you think is the solution?
Share you thoughts.
