by A report on the sustainability of Canada’s beef industry says more beef is being produced from the same number of animals, but with lower emissions.
The Canadian Joint Program for Sustainable Beef released this week its assessment of the industry from 2014 to 2021. It was completed with $2.8 million in funding from the federal government.
The report highlights a 15 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions which means the industry is on track to meet its target of reducing emissions by a third by 2030. The statistics say the sector generates 2.4 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to it. with climate change. And beef farmers continue to explore cutting techniques.
“A lot of it is more efficient production practices,” said Ryan Beierbach, who chairs the joint program and is a farmer near Whitewood, Sask.
The report says faster cattle growth reduces the time it takes to get an individual animal to market – resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
Kathleen Glover, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Nappan, NS, wants to continue that trend by researching the best types of legumes to supplement existing pastures. She said spreading seeds on frozen pasture in late winter or early spring avoids the need to plow the soil which releases carbon dioxide.
Kathleen Glover, a researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is investigating the best legumes to sow on pasture when the ground is still frozen. That technique avoids plowing the soils which releases carbon dioxide. Above it are tiny plants of Langille’s bird’s foot, a type of legume developed in Nova Scotia, poking through the grass. (Kathleen Glover)
“It really adds to animal gain and the economic efficiency of the beef industry when they can grow quality forage,” Glover said.
Glover said previous research into the technique, known as frost seeding, fell off when fertilizer and fuel prices were lower. Now, she is focusing on the best techniques to add the higher protein legumes than grass and aid digestion.
Dean Manning is a second generation farmer in Falmouth, NS, with about 80 beef cattle as well as growing fruit, vegetables and other crops.
After taking over from his father about 20 years ago, Manning said the farm started on rotational grazing.
The practice of moving cattle is part of an ongoing project for research biologist John Duynisveld who also works on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research farm in Nova Scotia. He said research so far shows that the same piece of land can support 40 percent more grazing days when cattle are moved three times a day, compared to once every four to eight days.
“It takes more time, but the time pays back very quickly. Within two or three years your pasture becomes more productive,” said Duynisveld.
An aerial file photo of cows grazing on a Saskatchewan farm…. Researchers say moving cattle more often can lead to more productive pastures. (CBC / Radio Canada)
Pasture and nature
Manning also fenced off streams in his pasture to create a buffer between cattle and the water
The report found a national trend toward lower accumulation of nutrients, usually from fertilizers and animal waste, in waterways over seven years. Meanwhile, water consumption increased by less than one percent nationally.
As wildlife habitat is being lost across the country, the report also notes that cattle farmers can play a role by restoring areas to a natural state.
Manning said the discovery of vulnerable bird species, including the pobolink, by researchers last summer at a cattle grazing site on the farm was affected.
“We’ve even changed their pasture to allow a little bit [birds] that spot so they have a better habitat,” he said.
Beierbach is optimistic that beef farmers across the country can continue to work toward sustainability goals — including reducing methane emissions, which account for 61 percent of the nation’s on-farm carbon footprint from beef .
“We set very aggressive goals,” said Beierbach.
“When we look at what we have to do going forward, I think we can continue to work on efficiencies.”
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