Ben Stafford’s Post

Research by the Soil Association Exchange shows that farms with a mixture of arable crops and livestock have about a third more carbon stored within their soil than those with only arable crops, thanks to the animals’ manure. This also has an effect on biodiversity: mixed arable and livestock farms support about 28 grassland plant species in every field, compared with 25 for arable-only and 22 for dairy-only. It is unlikely that carbon captured in soil would balance out the enormous amounts of methane created by cattle. Farm livestock around the world creates about 14% of human-induced climate emissions. In 2015, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation claimed that the world had only 60 harvests left, but researchers at Oxford University and Our World In Data said in 2021 that there was a complex picture, and that while there were 16% of soils with an expected lifespan of fewer than 100 years, a third were expected to last at least 5,000. Feeding Bovaer, a methane blocker, to a third of the UK’s dairy cows would cut the country’s emissions by about 1%. This is not happening because farmers were unwilling to pay extra for something they did not benefit from. Methane blockers should be subsidised, as other green farming schemes were. #farming #methane #climatechange #environment #regenerative #nature #education #lifecycle https://lnkd.in/egdysn52

Integrating trees into livestock farming, as in silvopasture, may initially be effective in offsetting emissions from farming. However, carbon sequestration in biomass diminishes over time, as demonstrated by the case of an Australian beef farm that initially achieved - and later lost - its carbon-neutral status. This case underscores the need for a more innovative approach beyond merely incorporating trees for carbon sequestration. For instance, integrated trees could serve multiple purposes, such as providing fodder for livestock, as in tree hay or browse silvopasture, thereby helping to reduce feed costs, conserve land that would otherwise be used for feed production, and further contribute to the goal of carbon neutrality. Similarly, the integrated and synergetic application of interventions like perennial pastures, tree hay, additives, low-emission breeds, improved management practices, and enhanced animal health would collectively contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. https://lnkd.in/deV-aEFR

We need more cattle and less solar farms. "Cows help farms capture more carbon in soil. Research also reveals that a mixture of arable crops and cattle helps improve the biodiversity of the land. Research by the Soil Association Exchange shows that farms with a mixture of arable crops and livestock have about a third more carbon stored within their soil than those with only arable crops, thanks to the animals’ manure." https://lnkd.in/e4XzHDYa.

Cows 10 vs Billy Gates 0? 🤔 Research also reveals that a mixture of arable crops and cattle helps improve the biodiversity of the land. Cows may belch methane into the atmosphere at alarming rates, but new data shows they may play an important role in renewing farm soil. Research by the Soil Association Exchange shows that farms with a mixture of arable crops and livestock have about a third more carbon stored within their soil than those with only arable crops, thanks to the animals’ manure. https://lnkd.in/d2tgX6T2

Both farmers and grasslands in Wales are under huge pressures, something the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is trying to address.  If done well, the SFS has a brilliant opportunity to benefit farming, nature and biodiversity in Wales. We support the ambitions of the scheme, but recognise that it is not perfect.  It has to work practically for farmers and nature – and farmers must be paid properly for this important work.  The scheme requires 10% of land to be habitat, which includes species-rich grassland. This special habitat can be part of livestock farming, whilst locking in carbon and supporting biodiversity. We believe farmers can have productive farmland and make space for nature at the same time – it doesn’t need to be either/or.  We understand why this is a difficult time for farmers, with significant changes and uncertainties. And we will continue to work with farmers to help them manage land which is productive and at the same time delivers for nature and climate. As the SFS consultation comes to a close in one day (7th March), we urge farmers to research the proposals and respond.  Respond here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eDy4Q2Hf In the 20th century, an estimated 90% of Wales’ lowland semi-natural grassland was lost. It is crucial that we manage and restore these species-rich grasslands so they can help tackle climate change, boost biodiversity and support sustainable food production.  That’s why we’re calling for the Welsh government to take a strategic approach to grasslands. This means supporting farmers and land managers, through public and private funding opportunities, in low-carbon, nature-friendly farming.

𝗙𝗩𝗔 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 - 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝘀, 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 UK head of agriculture at Lloyds Bank, Lee Reeves, argues that farmers need to be supported in their transition to regenerative farming. In an article discussing the benefits of mixing crops and livestock on the same land, the banker argued in favor of financial supports to reduce the risks farmers face when transitioning practices. Reeves points out that farmers need clear links between funding and sustainable practices to make regenerative agriculture more feasible. One of FVA's primary goals is to ensure that Nebraska producers receive sufficient support to remain profitable while shifting practices. #sustainablefarming #sustainableagriculture #aginnovation

🐄 Cattle farming in particular poses several environmental challenges, primarily due to methane emissions, an especially potent greenhouse gas. Livestock and feed production are often drivers of deforestation, habitat loss, and water consumption, leaving many to wonder if cattle farming can coexist in a world increasingly focused on decarbonization and biodiversity. READ MORE ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gprDE5Da #farming #biodiversity #emissions #greenhousegas #consumption #decarbonization

The EU invests four times more money into farming animals than growing plants! 🌾 This staggering revelation from a recent study in Nature Food sheds light on the imbalance in agricultural subsidies. Despite efforts to steer towards a more sustainable future, over 80% of the EU's farming subsidies through the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) went to animal products in 2013. This not only distorts market prices but also perpetuates the environmental damage caused by intensive animal farming. It's evident that the current system incentivises practices detrimental to our planet's health. As we strive for a greener future, it's imperative to address these imbalances and support initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture. 🌍 Read more about this study and join the conversation on reshaping our food systems for the better 👉 https://bit.ly/3VIORHu #EU #agriculture #sustainability #plantbased #environment

Not fast enough for the environment Interesting when one of your big customers tells you that you aren’t lowering GHG emissions fast enough, and that some of your competitors have more room to lower emissions. “Two-thirds of [Nestlé’s] emissions are coming from where the ingredients are grown.” Rather than looking down to dairy, I ask myself what is the equivalent situation in forestry and how we can fix it ASAP. #climateChange #emissions #environment https://lnkd.in/eFAJZ4Uq

This is big! 🌍 The Dutch government's groundbreaking €700M sustainability scheme has just been approved by the European Commission! 🙌 This game-changing initiative aims to support livestock farmers who choose to close their farms voluntarily. 🌱 It's all about promoting a more sustainable food system, providing crucial support for small and medium-sized farmers in specific areas of the Netherlands. The focus is on enhancing environmental quality in priority regions, such as peatlands, sandy soils, stream valleys, and around the EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas. 💚 The scheme is planned to run until October 2029, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and making a positive ecological impact. ✅ The EU's approval of this initiative is a huge win for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming. 🙏 Learn more via this comprehensive Green Queen Media article 👇 #Sustainability #EUCommission #Agriculture #LivestockFarming #EnvironmentalImpact #plantbased