Know How / Carbon

DAIRY

How breeding index could reduce dairy carbon footprint

The dairy genetic index EnviroCow can deliver environmental benefits on commercial dairy farms with a cumulative potential reduction in carbon footprint of up to 16%, according to a UK study.…

DAIRY

Why cutting dairy carbon footprint starts in the calf shed

For one south-west dairy, cutting carbon is about producing milk more efficiently, starting with the next generation of cows. Two Pools Farm, near Bristol, is one of 50 dairy farms…

BUSINESS

What the biomethane revolution could mean for UK farms

The UK produces about 7TWh (terawatt-hours) of energy from slurry, food waste, manure and crops, each year meeting just 1% of gas demand. However, the potential biomethane demand and output…

CARBON

Upland sheep grazing protects stable soil carbon, shows study

A new study has highlighted the environmental benefits of upland sheep and suggests that their removal may negatively affect the long-term storage of stable soil carbon. The Manchester University study,…

ENVIRONMENT

How Focus Farms are helping royal estate on regen journey

The Duchy of Cornwall has a long history of trying to do right by nature, with both the current Duke (Prince William) and his predecessor (King Charles) renowned for their…

BEEF

How efficiencies are cutting beef unit’s carbon footprint

Less reliance on bought-in cereals and greater use of home-grown forage in cattle rations, as well as a sharper focus on herd health, are driving down greenhouse gas emissions from…

LIVESTOCK

How rotational hedge management is helping store more carbon

Hedgerows managed on a 12- to 15-year laying rotation store six times more carbon than those flailed annually, studies on a Cornish beef farm have shown. Overall carbon emissions at…

LIVESTOCK

Egg producer's verdict on best alternative protein for layers

From manure to processing, emissions from egg production can be tricky to manage. But replacing some, or all, of the soya in a standard flock’s diet with other proteins is…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Why scrapping net zero could help tackle climate change

Farmers want to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions – but net zero is disengaging them, says a report. The finding is just one conclusion reached by a…

ENVIRONMENT

Farmers reject CCC's call for livestock reduction targets

Farmers have strongly opposed the latest proposal by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) to cut livestock numbers by 27% and reduce meat and dairy consumption, warning the plan overlooks agriculture’s…