Monitor your dairy farm's emission rates online!

Milk producers face a multitude of challenges, with low profits and strict biosecurity demands high on the list. In addition, the industry is often lambasted for its perceived contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, despite efforts to mitigate these. Researcher Riana Reinecke now offers dairy farmers a tool to help them measure, and demonstrate, the effects of any regenerative conservation methods they introduce. Susan Marais reports.

- Susan Marais

FAST FACTS

South Africa’s dairy industry compares favourably with the global dairy sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Through regenerative farming practices, farmers can lower their carbon footprint and replenish the soil.

The more efficient a dairy, the lower its greenhouse gas emissions.

Being a South African milk producer in 2022 is not for the faint-hearted – or the idle. A severe cost-price squeeze is a constant reality, biosecurity needs to be extremely tight, and the daily milking schedule is punishing.

To add insult to injury, dairy production endures more negative press than any livestock industry when it comes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that’s saying something. Open many social media platforms and this becomes obvious.

“The industry is an easy target for passionate activists stating their perspective, regardless of whether their opinions can be backed by science or not,” says Riana Reinecke, a doctoral candidate from Stellenbosch University and a sustainability researcher at Asset Research.

Reinecke is exploring ways of improving environmental and economic efficiencies in the dairy sector through sustainable farming. Previously, she worked at Clover and Nestlé, where she gained intimate knowledge about the challenges faced by South Africa’s dairy industry.

AN INDUSTRY UNDER SCRUTINY

Climate activists and scientists alike are pressurising the livestock sector, and the dairy industry in particular, to reduce its contribution to GHG emissions, says Reinecke.