Dairy boosts output and cuts carbon footprint

“Since 2015, we’ve increased dairy production by 13.2%, but our greenhouse gas emissions have only gone up by 1.6%. This is significant in that we are breaking the link between increased production and increased greenhouse gas emissions,” said Minister Creed in a spirited defence last week of climate change mitigation in agriculture.

He said: “We need to continue that direction of travel. There is real goodwill and willingness on the part of the agricultural community to play its part.

“It is a progressive industry that has young people who are keen to have a career and do the right thing. However, they deserve a fair crack at the whip for their efforts.”

He revealed the Environmental Protection Agency is funding a study to review our country-specific emissions factors and other parameters relevant to the estimation of methane emissions, from livestock enteric fermentation and manure management.

“The purpose is to determine what changes are required to ensure improvements in farm efficiency that will mitigate methane captured in the livestock and manure methane sections of the inventory.”

Methane accounts for approximately 22% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (the second-most significant contributor, of which approximately 12% of methane emissions in agriculture result from the storage and management of animal manures).

In 2015, emissions of methane decreased 10.4% on the 1990 level having increased progressively from 1990 to a peak in 1998.

Between 1990 and 2015, the overall GHG emissions from Ireland’s agriculture sector reduced by 5.5%.

Minister Creed said that the primary focus is on reducing emissions per unit of agricultural product.

Ireland’s research is primarily focused on improving productivity per animal and thus decoupling animal numbers from production.

“Most of this research is focused on developing economic breeding indices, extension of the grazing season, reducing beef finishing times and reducing total methane per animal as well as optimising beef and dairy animals. Many of these measures are currently in use or being commenced,” said Minister Creed.

Carbon audits by Bord Bia are placing new emphasis on reduction in emissions intensity of beef and dairy produce.

Nitrous oxide GHG emissions decreased by 16% from the 1990 level to 2015. Similar to methane, emissions of nitrous oxide increased during the 1990s to reach peak level in 1998, reflecting increased use of synthetic fertilisers and increased amounts of animal manures associated with increasing animal numbers during that period.

Emissions of nitrous oxide subsequently show a downward trend following reductions in synthetic fertiliser use and organic nitrogen applications on land as a result of the effect of the CAP reform on animal numbers.

Minister Creed was responding in the Dáil to Independents 4 Change TD Mick Wallace.

He said: “In terms of the carbon footprint per kilo of output our dairy industry is the most efficient in the world and our beef is the fifth most efficient. Whether we are fifth, sixth or first, we all acknowledge that in the dairy and beef sectors we must do far more. The industry is up for it. However, we are seeking a fair crack of the whip in terms of the public debate.”

Deputy Wallace said research shows that adding 2% dried seaweed to the cow diet could make cattle healthier, more fertile and reduce methane emission by a considerable proportion.

The minister responded: “We have watched so many false dawns and apparent silver bullets. We do not believe there is a silver bullet but we are certainly tracking research. I have not seen anything to convince me that seaweed in the diet is going to change methane production by cattle overnight.”

Minister Creed cautioned against closing down Ireland’s current competitive sustainable advantage in a grass-based production system in our dairy and beef sectors.

“Beef producers with carbon footprints many multiples of ours would steamboat here from South America and displace our produce.”