It’s time to make the most from cutting carbon

Dr Chris Bartram, Head of Nutrition

Our dairy farmers can capitalise on cutting carbon – creating a win for the environment and your farm’s bottom line.

Our Head of Nutrition, Dr Chris Bartram, said small changes could increase a dairy business’s profitability, something he believes every farmer should be looking at.

He said: “Farmers must add sustainability to the traditional measures of productivity and profitability to get the most from their enterprise.

“There are many ways producers can help reduce emissions on their farms and they are unlikely to mean significant investments or changes.

“It is important farmers pursue the correct advice and adopt a step-by-step approach to evaluating the various opportunities.”

He suggested farmers seek expert advice to ensure any changes have a positive impact on overall emissions, adding: “When helping formulate rations, we use a unique ration program that allows farmers to see how different feeds influence margins and production.

“And this now includes an environment-related section on the carbon footprint of your herd’s diet, protein efficiency and methane output. This will help farmers to understand the overall impact of using certain feeds.

“We have also developed a dedicated Climate Positive Impact feed range formulated with no soy or palm products and specified with a low carbon footprint. This will be an easy win for producers looking to cut emissions quickly.”

The Feed Solutions team has been carrying out extensive research to help our farmers, including trials with the University of Nottingham investigating the impact of dietary protein on heifer performance, growth and the environment.

Dr Bartram added: “We’ve also just started a three-year trial with Scotland’s Rural College at Crichton Royal Farm looking at the importance of amino acids in transition and early lactation dairy cows. This follows an initial study at the University of Reading.

“On the back of some of this work, we are also developing new dairy feeds including unique compounds with specialist materials like NovaPro protected rape, new heifer  products and transition feeds.”

Other initiatives include declaring the compound feed carbon footprint on our labels and a new buy-back scheme for beans.

Our approach provides expertise in feed, forage and animal health through our specialist nutrition, forage, fertiliser and veterinary teams.

“Although the task in hand may appear daunting, a what-if, bit by bit, linked approach will reduce emissions and improve a farm’s bottom line,” Dr Bartram added.

We first launched our Climate Positive Agriculture initiative in 2021. It is designed to help clients reduce their farm carbon footprint and improve productivity and profitability. At the same time, we are working hard to reduce our own emissions as part of a drive towards net zero.

For more information contact the Feed Line on 01566 780261