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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Rangeland Resources & Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415666
Research Project: Developing Precision Management Strategies to Enhance Productivity, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience in Rangeland Social-ecological Systems

Location: Rangeland Resources & Systems Research

Title: Net zero initiative in U.S. beef and dairy systems: Intergrative on-farm recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction

Author
item VARGAS, JUAN - Colorado State University
item MENEZES, TAIS - Colorado State University
item AUVERMANN, BRENT - Texas Agrilife
item Derner, Justin
item THOMA, GREG - Colorado State University
item HALES, KRISTIN - Texas Tech University
item JOHNSON, KRISTEN - Washington State University
item Leytem, April
item PLACE, SARA - Colorado State University
item PLAUT, JOSIE - Colorado State University

Submitted to: Environmental Research Communications
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: This effort addressed the need for a roadmap to achieve net-zero for beef and dairy production in the U.S. An expert panel evaluated strategies that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the production efficiency and economics of beef and dairy production. This roadmap provides a broad range of options for promoting sustainable beef and dairy production in the U.S. To enhance progress for a net-zero initiative for these agricultural sectors, prioritizing research gaps in the identified arenas will be key.

Technical Abstract: This study adapted the nominal group technique framework for designing a roadmap to achieve net-zero cattle production in the U.S. Scientists with diverse expertise in sustainable beef and dairy production proposed, categorized, described, defined, and prioritized strategies for generating a net-zero initiative for beef and dairy production systems in the U.S. These strategies, when implemented, have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the efficiency of the production systems, and promote sustainable practices. They were socialized with different stakeholders and classified according to the marginal greenhouse gases (GHG) reduction, expected return on investment, and marketing readiness. Practices for reducing GHG emissions, such as modulation of the rumen fermentation, appropriate management of diet and manure, increasing animal and system efficiency, and selecting efficient animals, are described in this document. In conclusion, the net-zero initiative presents a broad range of options for promoting sustainable cattle production in the US. Prioritizing identified research gaps will result in facilitating progress towards implementing the net-zero initiative.