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

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

Submitted to: Environmental Research Communications
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2024
Publication Date: 10/14/2024
Citation: Vargas, J.J., Menezes, T.C., Auvermann, B., Derner, J.D., Thoma, G., Hales, K., Johnson, K., Leytem, A.B., Place, S.E., Plaut, J. 2024. Net zero initiative in U.S. beef and dairy systems: Intergrative on-farm recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction. Environmental Research Communications. 6. Article 101010. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ad82b5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ad82b5

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.