169 Estimating the Environmental Impact of Livestock Operations Using the Canadian Whole-farm Model Holos Developed for Canadian Farmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 90-90
Author(s):  
Roland Kroebel ◽  
Aklilu Alemu ◽  
Sarah Pogue ◽  
Aaron McPherson
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Emission Factors ◽  
Farm Management ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Management Information ◽  
Tier Ii ◽  
Farm Model ◽  
Ruminant Animals

Abstract The Holos model is a Canadian whole-farm model that uses IPCC Tier II emission factors to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Canadian farming systems. These Tier II emission factors are Canada-specific with respect to land-based nitrous oxide emission, but are universal with respect to the livestock calculation. Here, however, Tier II is limited to ruminant animals, as so far only Tier I models are available for monogastrics. The model is designed to permit farmers to enter readily available farm management information themselves in order to calculate GHG sources and management driven mitigation practices. The presentation will provide an overview of the model and its design (interface and algorithms), and will showcase some of the scientific studies (cradle-to-farmgate) that were accomplished using the Holos model for assessing the carbon footprint of Canadian beef and dairy production systems.

scholarly journals An evaluation of two pastoral dairy production systems using automatic milking technology

2010 ◽  
pp. 109-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Jago ◽  
J. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Automatic Milking ◽  
Automatic Milking Systems ◽  
Pastoral Farming

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of two pastoral farming systems using automatic milking systems (AMS).

scholarly journals Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Dairy Goat Farming Systems: Abatement Potential and Cost

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 945
Author(s):  
Alexandra Sintori ◽  
Irene Tzouramani ◽  
Angelos Liontakis
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Abatement Cost ◽  
Marginal Abatement Cost ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Economic Optimization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Goat Farming

Dairy goat farming is an important agricultural activity in the Mediterranean region. In Greece the activity offers occupation and income to thousands of families mainly located in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of the country where it utilizes low productivity pastures and shrub lands. Furthermore, goats are more resilient to climate changes compared to other species, and are often characterized as ideal for keeping in drought areas. However, there is still limited evidence on total greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from goat farms and their mitigation potential. In this context, this study aims to estimate GHG emissions of goat farms in Greece and explore their abatement options using an economic optimization model. Three case studies are explored i.e., an extensive, a semi-intensive and an intensive goat farm that correspond to the main goat production systems identified in Greece. The analysis aims to assess total GHGs as well as the impact of abatement on the structures, gross margins and labor inputs of the farms under investigation. The issue of the marginal abatement cost is also addressed. The results indicate that the extensive farm causes higher emissions/kg of milk produced (4.08 kg CO2-eq) compared to the semi-intensive and intensive farms (2.04 kg and 1.82 kg of CO2-equivelants, respectively). The results also emphasize the higher marginal abatement cost of the intensive farm. In all farm types, abatement is achieved primarily through the reduction of the livestock capital and secondarily by other appropriate farming practices, like substitution of purchased feed with homegrown feed.

An exploratory tool for analysis of forage and livestock production options

2009 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 788 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. Millar ◽  
R. E. Jones ◽  
D. L. Michalk ◽  
S. Brady
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Farm Model ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Livestock Systems

The Grain & Graze Whole-Farm Model was developed as a simple modelling tool to identify better strategies to improve the income of farmers and overcome grassland degradation. Using information on farm structure, crop and forage production systems, livestock production systems and variable costs involved in all enterprises, maximum whole-farm gross margins are obtained for an optimum or a prescribed mix of enterprises. The incorporation of production systems for different rainfall scenarios enables climatic risks and water use efficiencies of different enterprises to be investigated. Model simulations demonstrated the potential improvements that could be achieved in dollar water use efficiency ($WUE), by changes in management and/or changes in enterprise. The design of the model makes it a valuable tool for evaluating new systems, as it easy to develop new crop, pasture and livestock systems. Innovative farming systems such as pasture cropping and alley farming are included in the model.

scholarly journals Challenges and opportunities for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions through dairy cattle research in developing countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Sineka Munidasa ◽  
Richard Eckard ◽  
Xuezhao Sun ◽  
Brendan Cullen ◽  
David McGill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Emission Estimation

AbstractThe global dairy sector is facing the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions whilst increasing productivity to feed a growing population. Despite the importance of this challenge, many developing countries do not have the required resources, specifically funding, expertise and facilities, for quantifying GHG emissions from dairy production and research. This paper aims to address this challenge by discussing the magnitude of the issue, potential mitigation approaches and benefits in quantifying GHG emissions in a developing country context. Further, the paper explores the opportunities for developing country dairy scientists to leverage resources from developed countries, such as using existing relevant GHG emission estimation models. It is clear that further research is required to support developing countries to quantify and understand GHG emissions from dairy production, as it brings significant benefits including helping to identify and implement appropriate mitigation strategies for local production systems, trading carbon credits and achieving the nationally determined contribution obligations of the Paris Agreement.

scholarly journals Legumes increase grassland productivity with no effect on nitrous oxide emissions

2019 ◽  
Vol 446 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlete S. Barneze ◽  
Jeanette Whitaker ◽  
Niall P. McNamara ◽  
Nicholas J. Ostle
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Grassland Productivity

Abstract Aims Grasslands are important agricultural production systems, where ecosystem functioning is affected by land management practices. Grass-legume mixtures are commonly cultivated to increase grassland productivity while reducing the need for nitrogen (N) fertiliser. However, little is known about the effect of this increase in productivity on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in grass-legume mixtures. The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between the proportion of legumes in grass-legume mixtures and N-fertiliser addition on productivity and GHG emissions. We tested the hypotheses that an increase in the relative proportion of legumes would increase plant productivity and decrease GHG emissions, and the magnitude of these effects would be reduced by N-fertiliser addition. Methods This was tested in a controlled environment mesocosm experiment with one grass and one legume species grown in mixtures in different proportions, with or without N-fertiliser. The effects on N cycling processes were assessed by measurement of above- and below-ground biomass, shoot N uptake, soil physico-chemical properties and GHG emissions. Results Above-ground productivity and shoot N uptake were greater in legume-grass mixtures compared to grass or legume monocultures, in fertilised and unfertilised soils. However, we found no effect of legume proportion on N2O emissions, total soil N or mineral-N in fertilised or unfertilised soils. Conclusions This study shows that the inclusion of legumes in grass-legume mixtures positively affected productivity, however N cycle were in the short-term unaffected and mainly affected by nitrogen fertilisation. Legumes can be used in grassland management strategies to mitigate climate change by reducing crop demand for N-fertilisers.

Assessing and reducing the environmental impact of dairy production systems in the northern US in a changing climate

2021 ◽  
Vol 192 ◽  
pp. 103170
Author(s):  
Karin Veltman ◽  
C. Alan Rotz ◽  
Larry Chase ◽  
Joyce Cooper ◽  
Chris E. Forest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Changing Climate

Understanding the dairy production systems in rural settlements in the Brazilian semi-arid region: characterization, typology, and holistic perception

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Samires Martins Castro ◽  
Delano de Sousa Oliveira ◽  
Raquel Oliveira dos Santos Fontenelle ◽  
Ana Paula Araújo do Nascimento ◽  
Robson Mateus Freitas Silveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arid Region ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Rural Settlements ◽  
Holistic Perception ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Semi Arid

scholarly journals Agricultural subsidies and global greenhouse gas emissions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Laborde ◽  
Abdullah Mamun ◽  
Will Martin ◽  
Valeria Piñeiro ◽  
Rob Vos
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Consumer Prices ◽  
High Emission ◽  
The Government ◽  
Agriculture And Food ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Global Emissions

AbstractAgricultural production is strongly affected by and a major contributor to climate change. Agriculture and land-use change account for a quarter of total global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). Agriculture receives around US$600 billion per year worldwide in government support. No rigorous quantification of the impact of this support on GHG emissions has been available. This article helps fill the void. Here, we find that, while over the years the government support has incentivized the development of high-emission farming systems, at present, the support only has a small impact in terms of inducing additional global GHG emissions from agricultural production; partly because support is not systematically biased towards high-emission products, and partly because support generated by trade protection reduces demand for some high-emission products by raising their consumer prices. Substantially reducing GHG emissions from agriculture while safeguarding food security requires a more comprehensive revamping of existing support to agriculture and food consumption.

Use of information and communication technologies in small-scale dairy production systems in central Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-779
Author(s):  
Juan de Dios García-Villegas ◽  
Anastacio García-Martínez ◽  
Carlos Manuel Arriaga-Jordán ◽  
Monica Elizama Ruiz-Torres ◽  
Adolfo Armando Rayas-Amor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Central Mexico ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

AbstractThe objective of the study was to characterize small-scale dairy production systems to identify the technological preferences according to the farmer and farm characteristics and to analyze the importance and role of the information communication technologies (ICTs) in the dissemination of information related to management and livestock activities. To collect the data, a survey was applied to 170 small-scale dairy farmers from central Mexico. To characterize the farms, a factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) were performed. To compare and identify differences between groups, a Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted. Four factors that explain 70.93% of the accumulated variance were identified; these factors explain the use of technology, production characteristics, social connections, and use of ICTs. The cluster analysis identified four groups. Group 1 was integrated by farmers with more experience and the largest farms. Group 2 had higher studies and use of ICTs. Group 3 was formed by young farmers but had a low use of technology. Group 4 contained older farmers with a low use of technology. The young farmers with higher studies have begun to incorporate ICTs into their daily activities on the farm, as observed in Group 2. Smartphones were the most used and were considered important by the farmers of the four groups, since they enable interaction with other farmers and the dissemination of topics of interest related with the farm. In conclusion, four group of farmers were differentiated; therefore, different extension approaches should be implemented to take into account the preferences and the technologies considered most important for each group. The ICTs are emerging technologies among small-scale dairy farmers to communicate information related to livestock management, mainly by young farmers with studies of secondary, as observed in Group 2.

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