Carbon and Cattle: Deriving and analyzing the net emissions of livestock feed in Saskatchewan's cow-calf sector
Date
2024-09-25
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Policy issues in most nations include environmental sustainability, the mitigation of climate change, and agri-food systems. Commitments have been established through multi-lateral agreements targeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions to abate climate change impacts. These agreements generate domestic policy initiatives to incentivize behavioural changes of economic actors for environmental betterment. In response to policy initiatives targeted at industries such as agriculture, producers are adopting innovative production methods and technologies to provide environmental services and mitigate emissions.
GHG emissions arising from livestock production contribute to a damaging narrative surrounding agriculture, particularly beef production; however, Canadian cow-calf producers remain guarded regarding the adoption of new technologies. Consequently, if consumers' and policy makers' attitudes towards the cow-calf industry become negative concerning environmental impact, industry development may be hindered.
The purpose of this study is three-fold, quantifying (a) net emissions, (b) changes in practice, and (c) economic outcomes attributed to the forage production facet of cow-calf production. The Saskatchewan Forage Production Survey was developed to gather data on forage management practices, placing emphasis on land use and land management changes. Canada’s whole-farm assessment model, Holos, was applied as a carbon accounting framework to derive the net emissions of the forage production cycle. Results indicate that net emissions were -0.123 Mg CO2e/ha per annum in 2016-19, a marked decrease from 1991-94. Economic assessments place the value of stored carbon between $0.57/ha and $6.61/ha. Recommendations include the renewal of forage rejuvenation funding programs and the expansion of term conservation easement programs to include non-native forage lands.
Description
Keywords
Carbon Sequestration, Cattle, Climate Change, Cropping Systems, Holos
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Program
Agricultural Economics