Recent articles and comments in this paper have looked at livestock and their role to climate change. They have talked about the different livestock sectors and the challenges they face in reducing greenhouse gases. It is true that everyone needs to try and find ways to reduce their carbon footprint as individuals, industry and in agriculture.
All too often, these articles don’t get down to the facts and numbers that quantify real progress. I would like to highlight some of the facts related to the dairy industry’s improvements over the last 40 years and how that was accomplished.
Statistics Canada data collected between 1981 and 2021 has shown the Canadian dairy herd has gone from 1.8 million cows to under one million. That is 45 per cent fewer cows contributing to climate change. During this same period, production rose by 30 per cent. Data collected between 1990 to 2019 by Environment Canada and the Canadian Dairy Commission shows that Canadian dairy farmers have reduced their carbon footprint by 24 per cent per litre during that period.
These are real and significant numbers.
How did the dairy industry accomplish this? A combination of factors play into this rapid progress. Improved nutrition through continual research and working with nutritionists have played a significant role. As well, the industry has shown willingness to adopt technology for improved welfare and comfort for their livestock. There have been improved management practices relating to every area of the farm, from calf rearing to care for milking females both before and after calving.
Probably the most important factor is the collecting of data that started 100 years ago. The measuring of milk production and the component tests per cow and ideal body trait scoring of cows have been the greatest influences. By collecting this data, superior genetics could be identified and multiplied through the use of artificial insemination.
It is important to note that these programs are not subsidized by taxpayers. Milk recording has been funded entirely by farmers and industry partners since the 1990s and body-trait scoring has always been paid for by the farmer.
We invest in these programs and improved management technologies so that we can be more profitable. Our cows are living longer, healthier lives and producing more per lactation. This all contributes to improved feed efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
These are some facts about the Canadian dairy industry and facts are important.
Steven L. Smith
Clanwilliam, Man.
