Dairy farming is an essential and thriving industry in Australia, with farmers continuously striving to improve sustainability practices for the benefit of the environment and their businesses. Recently, a webinar hosted by Dairy Global in collaboration with Trouw Nutrition and Novonesis delved into the key aspects of sustainable dairy farming. Let’s take a closer look at the insights shared by the distinguished speakers during the webinar.
### Professor Phil Garnsworthy
Professor Garnsworthy, an emeritus professor of dairy science from the University of Nottingham, presented valuable information on improving the carbon balance on dairy farms. One of the key points he addressed was the varying carbon footprints of different feeds commonly used on dairy farms. This included a discussion on low-cost diets such as grazed grass, grass silage, maize silage, and by-products.
– Professor Garnsworthy highlighted the significance of land use and land use change in relation to carbon sequestration.
– He emphasised the importance of permanent and improved grasslands for carbon sequestration.
– The professor also shed light on the carbon footprint of milk production per litre in different regions like Ireland, the UK, and the US.
### Ainhoa Perojo Gutierrez
Ainhoa Perojo Gutierrez, the head of animal segments in commercial development at Novonesis, presented on the role of biosolutions at the farm level. Her focus was on how biosolutions can address various farm challenges while maintaining sustainability and profitability. Gutierrez stressed that biosolutions should contribute to reducing emissions, improving animal welfare, and preserving natural resources – the pillars of sustainable dairy farming.
– Gutierrez highlighted the benefits of biosolutions in addressing feed spoilage, improving feed efficiency, and reducing waste.
– She discussed the positive impact of probiotics and silage inoculants on livestock health and farm sustainability.
– Her presentation emphasised that sustainability should not be at the expense of profitability but should go hand in hand.
### Dr Liz Homer
Dr Liz Homer, the sustainability manager for ruminants in ECA at Trouw Nutrition, took a holistic approach to sustainability in dairy farming. She discussed the factors contributing to the carbon footprint in dairy farming, such as feed quality, efficiency, and rearing practices. Dr Homer stressed the importance of rearing and feeding young stock correctly to unlock their genetic potential from an early age.
– Dr Homer highlighted the significance of feed efficiency and silage quality in reducing the carbon footprint.
– She pointed out the impact of the age of first calving on both the carbon footprint and profitability of the farm.
– The discussion also included insights on the relationship between average daily gain in calves and milk production in the first lactation.
In conclusion, the webinar provided valuable insights into the various aspects of sustainable dairy farming, from improving carbon balance to leveraging biosolutions and holistic sustainability practices. These presentations underscore the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship while ensuring profitability and animal welfare are not compromised. By adopting the strategies and solutions discussed, Australian dairy farmers can further enhance their operations and contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry.
Do you find these insights on sustainable dairy farming useful for your operation? How do you think Australian dairy farmers can further improve sustainability practices on their farms? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
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