December 5, 2023

USDA invests over US$18 million in dairy farm projects to combat methane emissions

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program is channelling more than US$18 million into initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions on dairy farms, Brownfield Ag News reported.

This funding will be allocated across three projects undertaken in collaboration with Newtrient, an effort to address environmental concerns associated with the dairy industry.

Michigan Milk Producers Association chairman, Doug Chapin, reveals that their cooperative has secured US$6.2 million as part of this grant. The funding is expected to expedite methane reduction initiatives on approximately 20 farms within their operational footprint, extending to Indiana and Ohio.

Chapin emphasises the versatility of the grant, indicating that any conservation practice standards endorsed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that demonstrate viable methane reduction strategies are eligible for consideration. This includes practices related to waste separation, waste treatment, and nutrient recovery.

Feed management and additives are also potential components of the project, with Newtrient providing technical assistance to farmers implementing these initiatives.

In a separate allocation, an additional US$9 million grant has been awarded to farmers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. This collaborative effort involves partners such as Foremost Farms USA and others, reinforcing a regional commitment to addressing methane emissions in the dairy sector.

Furthermore, Idaho farmers are set to benefit from a US$3.1 million grant, aligning with a project that involves collaboration with major entities like McDonald's, Schreiber Foods, Glanbia Nutritionals, and Athian.

A noteworthy aspect of these projects is the commitment from dairy companies, collectively pledging US$7 million. These funds will be utilised to purchase the reduction outcomes achieved by the participating farmers, functioning as carbon insets in support of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the dairy industry.

-      Brownfield Ag News