Signpost cattle farms lead the way

Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications & Engagement Specialist, discussed the Signpost Programme, which aims to help cattle farmers adopt sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions at the Teagasc Beef Conference 2023.

Summary

• The Signpost cattle farmers have adopted many of the climate mitigation technologies recommended by Teagasc, but there still exists scope to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions on these farms.
• Signpost cattle farmers have a lower carbon footprint per kg live weight produced than reported for the average Irish cattle farmer, showing what is possible for all farmers.
• The Signpost Programme has identified 12 steps to reducing gaseous emissions on cattle farms. These steps include actions to reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen fertiliser use, switching to protected urea, reducing age-at-slaughter and improving animal breeding performance.
• It is advised that all cattle farmers check their position regarding each of the recommended actions. A worksheet is available to help identify possible actions to reduce on-farm GHG emissions.

The study focuses on the progress made by Signpost cattle farmers in implementing climate mitigation technologies over two years (2021 and 2022).

The results indicate that Signpost cattle farmers have successfully adopted key technologies, resulting in a lower carbon footprint per kilogram of live weight produced compared to the average Irish cattle farmer. Siobhán outlines 12 steps for reducing gaseous emissions on cattle farms, including measures to decrease reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, switch to protected urea, reduce age-at-slaughter, and enhance animal breeding performance.

Key achievements include an 11% increase in family farm income on Signpost cattle farms in 2022 compared to the previous year. The farms demonstrated progress in reducing chemical nitrogen fertilizer use, optimizing soil fertility, using low emission slurry spreading, and incorporating clover into grassland.

The study highlights that Signpost cattle farms have a longer grazing season, with stock at grass for 237 days in 2022. Other positive outcomes include an increased Replacement Index for suckler cows and a higher percentage of heifers calving at 22-26 months.

Despite these advancements, Siobhán notes that there is still room for improvement in reducing total GHG emissions on Signpost farms. Suggesting further reductions in chemical nitrogen use, increased use of protected urea, and improvements in age-at-slaughter and age at first-calving as potential areas for enhancement.

Download the full paper: Leading the way in emissions reduction technology adoption on Signpost cattle farms 

Download the presentation: Siobhan Kavanagh - Drivers of greenhouse gas emissions on cattle demonstration farms - Presentation