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Animal ag continues to combat misinformation about methane emissions  

An air-quality specialist continues to tackle misinformation surrounding animal agriculture and methane emissions.

Frank Mitloehner, a professor with University of California-Davis, says if methane is managed correctly it can help address climate challenges.

“Animal agriculture does have an impact on climate and methane can be a problem, but animal agriculture can be part of a solution if they acknowledge and mitigate,” he says.

He tells Brownfield producers could reduce emissions by, “covering legumes, using feed additives or other things. We certainly don’t want to increase methane overtime by increasing herds drastically. If we keep it stable, stable methane does not add to additional warming.”

Mitloehner explains why there’s a big focus on methane emissions.

“Methane is the most important greenhouse gas for animal agriculture so it’s extremely important that we understand what this gas does to our climate correctly; how it warms our planet; how we account for it, not just by looking at sources because it sinks,” he says. “In other words, this gas is not just produced, it’s naturally destroyed. You have to subtract the sinks from the sources to get an accurate accounting. What’s also important is that we understand that methane can be a problem, even a major problem, but if we manage it correctly it can be a solution. Because of the unique behavior methane has and how it warms the planet, if we reduce methane, we reduce warming.”

Brownfield interviewed Mitloehner during the recent Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention.

He shared advice for agricultural groups like INFB that are at the table and ready to be part of the solution.

“Have a fact-based response and after awhile you’ll be surprised how far you can get. There is a narrative against animal agriculture and it’s very hard to turn the tides, but I think facts and science will turn the tide,” he says. “It will take time, it will take hard work, it will take time to listen, and it will take time to pull the heads out of the sand.”

Mitloehner says by managing methane, producers can make money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.