Dairy farming in 2050: 3 mega challenges to prioritize and resolve
- Equipe ESGpec
- Sep 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Dairy farming faces major challenges heading into 2050. Reducing methane emissions, ensuring animal welfare, and expanding the use of technology and data are central to the sector's sustainability and viability. These were some of the conclusions of the "Jump to the Future: Dairy Farming 2050" conference, held in August 2024 in Belgium. The event brought together dairy industry experts and professionals from around the world to discuss the sector's key trends and challenges for the future.
1. Reducing Methane Emissions
Reducing methane emissions is a key challenge for the dairy industry. Rinse Jan Boersma, founder of Beluga Animal Health, emphasized that methane is a short-lived greenhouse gas, meaning it breaks down more quickly in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. The traditional Global Warming Potential (GWP) model and the derived model (GWP100) that measures the impact of greenhouse gases overestimate methane's impact on global warming. A new model, GWP*, adjusts for these short-lived gases and suggests that, with a continued reduction in methane emissions, dairy farming could contribute to a net cooling effect on the planet.
Several strategies were discussed during the event to mitigate methane emissions. Among them were increased animal productivity, improved manure management, and the introduction of feed additives that reduce methane production. Kelly Nichols of the University of California-Davis spoke about promising additives, such as red algae and the compound 3-NOP, which are being studied. However, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the metabolic impacts and long-term effects of these additives on animal health.
2. Guarantee of Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is another major challenge for dairy farming in 2050. Marina von Keyserlingk of the University of British Columbia emphasized that animal welfare is a socially mandated science, as it is a growing concern among consumers. The industry needs to address persistent issues, such as lameness, which remains a significant problem even after decades of research.
Von Keyserlingk also addressed the topic of cow-calf co-rearing, discussing evidence of the benefits of maintaining cow-calf contact for longer than is routinely practiced. For dairy farming to be sustainable by 2050, it is necessary to integrate economic viability, environmental protection, and social acceptance into production practices.
3. Use of Technology and Data
The use of technology and data represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the future of dairy farming. Ilka Klaas of DeLaval emphasized the importance of integrating technology with animal health and welfare. Sensors and digitalization are already in use today, but the challenge lies in making the most of the available data.
By 2050, artificial intelligence is expected to be a fundamental tool in herd management, enabling faster and more accurate decisions about animal health and welfare. This will include predictive and analytical systems that go beyond traditional alerts, offering integrated solutions that will facilitate herd management.
Ready for 2050?
According to Ynte H. Schukken, CEO of Royal GD, the dairy industry faces a complex scenario, where solving one problem can impact other areas, such as animal health, antibiotic use, and nitrogen efficiency. However, with technological advancements and continuous innovation, the sector has the necessary tools to address these challenges and ensure a promising future for dairy farming in 2050.
Conclusion
The dairy industry of 2050 will be marked by significant and challenging changes. Reducing methane emissions, focusing on animal welfare, and leveraging advanced technology will be essential to ensuring the sector's sustainability and viability. The integration of these elements, combined with an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable approach, will enable dairy farming to continue to thrive in the coming decades.
Text adapted by the ESGpec Team
Source: Dairy Global, by Emmy Koeleman, Freelance editor
