Genetic selection: A literature review published in 2022 analyzed 17 papers published between 2015 and 2021 and found 40 heritability estimates and 32 genetic correlations for CH4 emissions from dairy cows. These genetic traits could be selected in future genetic selection plans to identify cows that generate less CH4 from enteric fermentation. Headgear: A UK-based company, Zelp, 9 launched a product in April 2022 that uses oxidation technology to capture and destroy the CH4 generated by cows. The company signed a partnership agreement with Cargill in June 2021. Zelp’s product is fitted onto a cow’s head and purports to capture approximately 95 percent of the CH4 emissions from the cow’s nose and mouth. It appears to be in limited release in UK, Ireland, Argentina, and the Netherlands. Energy Solar: Over the past decade, dairies have increased the installation of solar panels to supply some of their required energy, including water pumping and irrigation, ventilation, lighting, milkers and milk cooling. Solar panel costs have decreased approximately 60 percent over the past decade 10 and are expected to continue to decrease through 2025. 11 However, over the past year solar panel prices have increased around 20 percent due to supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine, and Chinese tariffs. 12 This uptick in prices is expected to subside as domestic supply improves in the coming years. Transportation: While vehicles on farms have been historically exempted and are a small source of GHG emissions in agricultural operations, the regulation of tractors continues to be a threat. Fortunately, the next generation of tractors is expected to be all electric and to incorporate automation and artificial intelligence. While several companies have developed electric tractors, the models that are currently available are designed for applications such as hauling, mowing, tilling, and jobs that do not require large tractors. 13 An example is an upcoming autonomous tractor built by Monarch Tractor. The company’s fully electric tractor is estimated to save the average farmer $45 a day in fuel. It can operate for 10 hours 14 and uses real-time, field-based alerts to reduce the time farmers need to scout their fields. 15 California is front and center for dairy GHG emissions reduction strategies in the U.S. A recent report, Meeting the Call, published in December 2022 by California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) outlines California’s plan to achieve significant reductions in GHG emissions in the dairy sector. CDRF is a non-profit public research management corporation leading research and science-based educational programs supporting an innovative and sustainable California and U.S. dairy industry. To date, the state of California has employed a comprehensive four-part strategy: efficiency and attrition, methane avoidance, methane capture and utilization, and enteric methane reduction driven by policy and fueled by significant investment. 16
7
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker