DFC IN ACTION

DAIRY FARMERS OF CANADA’S NET-ZERO STRATEGIC PLAN

In February 2022, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) announced a commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. While that objective is still relatively new, dairy farmers’ stewardship of our natural resources is not: As a result of these longstanding efforts, the carbon footprint of Canadian dairy production is among the lowest in the world. These efforts, while primarily geared towards improving the environment and our way of life, also help us raise awareness among and remain relevant to millennial and generation-Z consumers amid growing competition from dairy imitators. Farmers are also increasingly mindful of the threats posed by extreme weather and climate change, which put the future of our livelihoodsin jeopardy.

This type of leadership is a tangible way to demonstrate that dairy farmers will continue to be part of the solutions to tackle climate change so that consumers can feel good about purchasing dairy products made with 100% Canadian milk for generations to come.

It is also important to note that these efforts, while primarily geared toward improving the environment and our way of life, also help us in raising awareness and remaining relevant to our consumers amid growing competition from dairy imitators. Farmers are also increasingly mindful of the threats posed by extreme weather and climate change, which put the future of our livelihoods in jeopardy.

From DFC’s continued annual investments in research, to the emergence of new technologies and farming techniques, to the efforts of individual farmers across the nation, we are proud to say the dairy sector has a long history of progress on sustainability.

That is why at our Annual Policy Conference in March, DFC unveiled a comprehensive sustainability strategy. The strategy leverages the progress made to date, and streamlines current and future efforts into a comprehensive plan to help our sector reach its net-zero objective.

Our Strategic Plan

In developing the strategic plan, we assessed options to reduce on-farm GHG emissions through the uptake of BMPs. The accompanying BMP guide to the strategy focuses on four main categories of BMPs including: livestock management, feed production, manure management, energy infrastructureand transportation and land management.

It’s important to acknowledge that dairy farms are as unique as the people operating them. Our strategic approaches are designed to guide farmers to the best recommendations for their farms, implement them, and measure their effectiveness.

Farmers will not be alone in pursuing the net-zero objective –as your national association, DFC has a significant role to play as well, through the following approaches:

•Life cycle assessments: DFC has been tracking the sector’s environmental progress through five-year life cycle assessments, which quantify aspects like the carbon footprint, water consumption and land use of Canadian milk production. The current assessment includes a new biodiversity assessment and is supplemented by a coordinating carbon sequestration study.

Net zero means achieving an overall balance between GHGs emitted, and the GHGs removed from the atmosphere. To reach net zero by 2050, DFC will help farmers adopt best management practices (BMPs) to reduce emissions as much as possible and increase carbon sequestration efforts to remove what’s left.

DFC worked with Viresco Solutions, experts in low carbon and sustainable agriculture, to assess options to reduce GHG emissions on dairy farms. They evaluated available research to determine impact on GHG emissions, return on investment, and co-benefits. Dairy farmers in every region across Canada participated in focus groups to provide input on the BMPs and the feasibility of implementation. Viresco Solutions then consulted with experts and modeled the potential impact of the most feasible BMPs.

• It is complemented by other instruments, including on-farm tools that farmers can use to assess their impact. We can expect the initial results this year.

• Research investments under the five-year National Dairy Research Strategy: Released in 2021, it guides our investments in five research objectives: Sustain feed cropping system long-term productivity; reduce GHG emissions, maximize carbon sequestration and adapt to climate change; better use and conservation of water on dairy farms; and increase biodiversity.

• Working to identify government programs and funding opportunities that can assist farmers and the sector as a whole.

•Working with like-minded organizations under the Here for Tomorrow Sustainability Partnerships program. Current partners include Ducks Unlimited Canada, Trees Canada, and Cleanfarms; DFC is leveraging these partnerships to tap into our partners’ sustainability expertise and programs.

DFC’s new sustainability str ategy sends a strong message that dairy farmers ar e confr onting consumer concerns head-on while protecting their way of life. Read more about the Strategic Plan at dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/farmerresources/net-zero-2050

Ontario dairy farmers are early adopters of on-farm sustainability measures and understand their positive impact on the bottom line.

As Bob Stiles wrote in this article from the January 1993 issue of Milk Producer, efficient energy use is a high priority on most farms as producers look to get the most value from their energy dollars. Milkhouse equipment, he writes, is the largest user of electricity on a dairy farm, accounting for two-thirds of energy use.

To conserve electricity in the milkhouse, Ontario Hydro recommended staying out of hot water.

“Use less hot water, install an energy-efficient milk heat reclaimer and fine tune your present hot water and milk cooling equipment,” said hydro rep Jim Bell.

Up-front energy efficiency and conservation are easily the best ways to lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.