Are dairy farmers doing anything to reduce ghg emissions?

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Are dairy farmers doing anything to reduce ghg emissions?

Australian dairy farmers are committed to lowering their environmental impact — and that includes actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Dairy farming in Australia does contribute to emissions (approximately 1.6% of total national emissions) and farmers are implementing practical, science-backed actions that work for both their farms and the environment. From how they feed their cows to how they manage energy, waste, and the land, emissions reduction is becoming part of everyday decision-making on farm.

Here are just some of the ways farmers are reducing emissions:

Cows and Herd Management

Improving animal health and nutrition: A healthy, productive cow produces milk more efficiently, so farmers focus on getting the balance of energy and protein in feed just right.
Optimising herd size and replacement rates: By carefully managing breeding and replacement rates, farmers can reduce the number of animals needed to produce the same amount of milk.
Monitoring performance: Tools and data help farmers track animal health, growth and milk output, allowing them to make efficient, low-emission choices.

Manure and Effluent

Recycling nutrients: Effluent from the dairy shed is collected, treated and reused on-farm as a natural fertiliser, which reduces emissions and improves soil health.
Improved manure management: New systems reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions by storing and treating manure more efficiently.

Feed and Fertiliser

Grazing and feedbase management: Farmers aim to grow more homegrown feed and optimise grazing to reduce the need for imported feed - helping cut emissions from feed production and transport.
Reduced fertiliser use: Using soil testing and precision application, farmers apply only what’s needed, cutting emissions from nitrogen fertilisers.

Energy Use

On-farm renewable energy: Many farms are installing solar systems or other renewables to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Boosting energy efficiency: Upgrades to milking equipment, cooling systems and irrigation help reduce electricity use and costs.

Carbon Storage and the Land

Planting trees and maintaining groundcover: Trees, shelterbelts, and healthy pastures help store carbon in plants and soil, while also improving biodiversity and shade for animals.

These steps contribute to the Australian dairy industry’s target of reducing emissions intensity (emissions per litre of milk produced) by 30% by 2030.

Dairy farmers are proud to be part of the climate solution - not just because they have to, but because they want to. Many farmers live and raise their families on the same land they farm, and looking after it for future generations is a responsibility they take seriously.

Third party resources are provided below.