SIMPLE WAY: How does each producer's choice transform dairy farming?

Inspired by Almir Sater's song "Maneira Simples ," which celebrates simplicity and harmony with nature, sustainable livestock farming is also built through careful, routine decisions. Every change in herd management, adoption of new practices, or animal care can pave the way for a more balanced and responsible future.

This month, in the Integral Sustainability column, we'll explore how small actions can generate big changes. Subtle technologies, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, and the integration of best practices can shape the future of livestock farming. Every choice, no matter how small, has the potential to impact both the present and future generations, following the natural rhythm of the earth in a simple and conscious way. Furthermore, we'll present a methodology that allows us to evaluate the application of the ESG agenda on farms, helping to measure the commitment to sustainability across multiple dimensions. We'll also explore some practical applications of these concepts at Fazenda Sertãozinho, owned by agronomist Andres Rojas, located in Virgínia, Minas Gerais.

Subtle technologies

Before we delve into examples of innovation, it's crucial to understand that the subtlety of these solutions lies not only in how silently and effectively they operate, but especially in how they are designed to serve the producer. Often, the success of a technology lies less in automation and more in its simplicity and adaptability to everyday farm life. When too complex or demanding in terms of technical knowledge, they risk being underutilized or rejected.

Therefore, subtle technologies are those that operate in the background and are simultaneously intuitive and accessible, adapting to rural realities. They facilitate routines without requiring a long or complex learning curve. True progress lies in the ability to integrate new things while respecting accumulated practical knowledge, expanding this knowledge rather than hindering it. By respecting the rhythm of dairy farming, these tools not only optimize work but also ensure that traditional knowledge continues to be valued.

TRUE PROGRESS LIES IN THE ABILITY TO INTEGRATE THE NEW, RESPECTING ACCUMULATED PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPANDING THIS KNOWLEDGE INSTEAD OF MAKING IT HARD.

In recent years, agriculture has benefited from a series of advances that have transformed the way livestock farmers manage their businesses. These subtle technologies don't cause dramatic revolutions overnight, but rather introduce gradual changes that positively impact performance, reduce waste, and maximize the use of natural resources, generating positive effects both economically and environmentally. By gradually integrating these changes, producers see continuous improvements that accumulate long-term results.

Carbon footprint

Tools like PEC Calc have become popular in Brazil for calculating the carbon footprint of rural properties, helping producers compare their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with regional benchmarks and identify sensitive areas. The calculator stands out for its ease of use, allowing pauses in the analysis and data collection process, facilitating continuous implementation without interrupting daily farm activities. Calculating the carbon footprint is an essential tool for producers to ensure compliance with global requirements and adapt to growing consumer demand for low-impact products. Figure 1 shows the carbon footprint of Fazenda Sertãozinho.

Figure 1. Detailed results of the carbon footprint of Fazenda Sertãozinho, calculated in PEC Calc

CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATION IS AN ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR PRODUCERS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH GLOBAL REQUIREMENTS, ACTING TO MEET THE GROWING CONSUMER DEMANDS FOR PRODUCTS WITH LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

While PEC Calc facilitates environmental management, the use of sensors and AI expands control over animal welfare and processes. Sensors and remote monitoring systems provide producers with real-time insight into their herd's health status, as well as environmental conditions. When this data is integrated with AI, producers can make decisions in advance, preventing problems before they become serious. Figure 2 shows the use of collars to monitor animal behavior at Fazenda Sertãozinho.

Figure 2. Cows with 24-hour monitoring collars at Sertãozinho farm

Dairy culture on the farm

Just as sensors monitor the herd in real time, on-farm milk culture ensures accurate detection of mastitis-causing microorganisms, enabling rapid responses. This technology provides rapid diagnostics by identifying the infectious agent directly on the property and directing treatment. This process not only favors the rational use of antibiotics, preventing bacterial resistance, but also promotes a safer, more sustainable, and more economical approach. Figure 3 shows the culture laboratory at Sertãozinho Farm.

Figure 3. Andres Rojas, owner of Fazenda Sertãozinho, next to agronomist Luciana Brito, analyzing crop data on the farm

Precision nutrition

Following the optimization path brought by dairy farming and sensors, feed wagons equipped with scales provide much more accurate nutrition. This equipment allows for the precise distribution of feed to the herd, adjusting quantities according to the specific needs of each batch or group of animals. Integrated with computerized automation systems, they ensure that nutrition is monitored in real time, optimizing the use of inputs and reducing waste. Figure 4 shows the use of precision nutrition at Sertãozinho Farm.

Figure 4. Sertãozinho Farm food mixer, integrated with the scale and automated feeding system with real-time monitoring

Precision agriculture

Precision agriculture, which is increasingly being adopted, leverages the rational use of inputs through drones, sensors, and GPS, optimizing the application of fertilizers, irrigation, and other critical production resources. This technology allows for mapping agricultural areas, ensuring efficient water and nutrient distribution and avoiding waste. Figure 5 illustrates the use of GPS in agricultural activities at Fazenda Sertãozinho.

Figure 5. Monitoring agricultural production with a georeferenced system at Fazenda Sertãozinho

Technologies and reduction of GHG emissions

The adoption of tools such as PEC Calc, AI-enabled sensors, nutrition, and precision agriculture plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Each of these innovations increases operational efficiency, optimizes the use of raw materials, and improves animal management, potentially resulting in a significant reduction in environmental impact.

They also allow producers to estimate and mitigate emissions per unit of production by increasing productivity, maximizing resource use. The use of automated systems and real-time monitoring can foster a virtuous cycle focused on sustainability, reinforcing the commitment to low-carbon livestock farming.

The implementation of these technologies on properties like Fazenda Sertãozinho demonstrates how science can transform production management, ensuring lower emissions per kilogram of meat or liter of milk produced and aligning with global demands for low-impact products.

Sustainability beyond GHGs

Many of the examples cited contribute to mitigating GHG emissions, a crucial component of sustainability. However, it's important to emphasize that comprehensive sustainability also involves social and governance issues, in addition to environmental ones.

The Dairy Sustainability Framework (DSF) is one of the leading global benchmarks for sustainability in dairy farming and establishes 11 essential criteria to ensure production aligned with the ESG Agenda over the long term. These criteria cover everything from natural resource use to animal welfare and soil health, providing comprehensive guidance for producers. (Table 1).

Table 1. Aspects considered in the 11 indicators of sustainability in dairy farming (DSF)

Assessing sustainability in livestock farming

To facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices in the daily routine of farms, the startup ESGpec developed the ESG Farm Score (Figure 6), an innovative tool that helps livestock farmers evaluate their procedures based on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria. The ESG Farm Score allows producers to identify both strengths and areas requiring attention on their farms, helping them align with global requirements.

Inspired by DSF principles, the ESG Farm Score offers a clear and objective scoring system. It allows livestock farmers to visualize which areas are performing well and which need adjustments. The tool's main benefits include:

• Comprehensive diagnosis: Assesses the operation holistically, considering aspects such as the use of natural resources, compliance with labor laws, employee safety, and animal welfare.

• Identifying opportunities for improvement: Based on the scores obtained, producers can quickly identify areas that require adjustments, develop an action plan, and gradually implement changes, facilitating the farm's continuous evolution.

• Increased competitiveness: By adopting practices aligned with ESG criteria, farms become more competitive and attractive to local and global milk buyers. In Brazil, where there is a growing appreciation for responsibly sourced products, farms that integrate sustainable practices can access new market niches, including cooperatives, distribution networks, and consumers who prioritize the environmental and social impact of production.

• Continuous Monitoring: The ESG Farm Score allows ranchers to track the progress of their operations over time, adjusting their practices as needed to ensure their operations remain aligned with global sustainability practices.

Figure 6. Sertãozinho Farm obtained an excellent score in the ESG Farm Score: 9.2 points

Integrating indicators into the farm's daily routine

While adopting the 11 sustainability indicators and implementing the ESG Farm Score may seem like an initial challenge, it's crucial to remember that sustainability is built gradually, step by step. Small changes, such as improving water management or implementing GHG emissions monitoring systems, already represent significant progress.

With the support of tools like the ESG Farm Score, producers can diagnose and adjust their practices while aligning with global environmental and social demands. Transformation is facilitated by prioritizing indicators based on the farm's context and the market in which it operates. In the case of Fazenda Sertãozinho, to illustrate a possible prioritization, 5 of the 11 macro indicators were selected, shown in graph 1.

Graph 1. Performance analysis by sustainability indicator of Fazenda Sertãozinho, represented by the percentage in relation to the maximum score in the item

Small choices, big transformations

Every decision in the field can be the starting point for transformation. Building a sustainable livestock industry doesn't depend on a single, grand change, but rather on small, everyday resolutions that, together, shape the sector's future. Balance is achieved through conscious practices that respect the land, animals, and rural communities.

The invitation is clear: pursue the path of sustainability. This path goes beyond GHG reduction. It's a continuous journey of responsibility and progress, promoting innovation, respect for the environment, animal welfare, and quality of life for all involved. Day after day, build the future of livestock farming in a simple, productive, and balanced way.

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BRUNA SILPER

Veterinarian, specialist in livestock farming

precision and sustainable solutions, PhD in Science

Animal and milk producer in MG.

HELOISE DUARTE

Veterinarian, specialist in Management

Agroindustrial and meat producer in MG.

LUIZ GUSTAVO PEREIRA

Veterinarian, professor and researcher, Doctor

in Animal Science, specialist in nutrition and

regenerative systems.

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The "Integral Sustainability" column is a column published by ESGpec in Leite Integral magazine , which has established itself as a space for dialogue between science, innovation, and practice in the field. Each article invites reflection on the future of dairy farming and on how we can balance productivity, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility.

Check out all the columns published in the magazine:

1️⃣ The wind of change — a call to recognize that the time for sustainability has arrived and that agriculture needs to act now.

2️⃣ Modern times — practical and technological solutions to reduce methane emissions in livestock farming.

3️⃣ Beyond the horizon — a vision of how innovation and regeneration open new paths for the milk of the future.

4️⃣ Simple way — how each producer's choice can transform livestock farming, making ESG something accessible and real in the field.

5️⃣ Nothing is by chance — animal behavior and welfare: The science applied to sustainable dairy production.

6️⃣ COP30: Time doesn't stop — What is the role of livestock farming on a planet under pressure?

7️⃣   COP30: We'll need everyone — What the world's largest climate conference revealed for Brazilian milk and why the next decade demands data, transparency, and real implementation in the field.

8️⃣   FROM JANUARY TO JANUARY: Sustainability starts with the basics — This article shows how consistent decisions, from herd management to soil care, reduce emissions and increase efficiency in milk production.

🌿 This column is the result of a partnership between ESGpec and Revista Leite Integral , and reinforces our commitment to making sustainability a practical, measurable, and inspiring topic.