GHG mitigation in cattle farming - how much is possible where?

Background and Objective

11 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributed to the agricultural sector. 75 percent of this is accounted for by the production of animal products, with cattle farming accounting for a good two-thirds. In cattle farming, beef production accounts for just under three-fourths worldwide - which amounts to approximately 4 percent of global GHG emissions (FAO, 2018). Within the agricultural sector, however, cattle farming is also considered to be of particular importance in terms of GHG mitigation.

Production systems in cattle farming differ worldwide, in some cases significantly, in terms of factor input, animal productivity, production costs and GHG emission profile. The production environment also shows some significant differences, e.g. with regard to the availability of resources and infrastructure, climatic conditions or the cultural significance of animal husbandry. Based on the diversity of production conditions, mitigation strategies must be adapted to regional circumstances. The basic hypothesis for this research project is that, given the above, there are significant differences in reduction potentials and costs.

Climate protection and GHG reduction are a global challenge. For an effective climate protection policy, analyses based on comparable data sets are necessary. Within the framework of the project, a concept for the harmonised evaluation of GHG mitigation strategies will be developed, which allows comparisons to be made with regard to costs and potential across production systems and countries.

Approach

Production-related GHG emissions are quantified on the basis of typical production systems in the agri benchmark Beef network. In selected countries (e.g. Brazil, Canada, Germany), locally adapted reduction strategies are identified, specified and their effects quantified as part of calculations for the typical farms. The results are analysed with regard to their potential and costs. In addition, possible adoption barriers will be identified. The reduction scenarios are examined for their acceptance and probability of implementation. The results of the GHG reduction strategies will also be discussed with regard to possible side effects (e.g. rebound or leakage effects).

Data and Methods

The basis for the comparative analysis of typical production systems is the Standard Operating Procedure (Deblitz, 2018) used in the agri benchmark network Beef. In focus groups with producers, consultants and local production economists, we collect data on production systems (animal numbers, categories, performance data, feed rations, etc.) and on prices and costs of typical cattle farming systems. For this baseline the economic viability and GHG emissions are calculated. The calculation of production-related GHG emissions is based on internationally recognised methods (IPCC, 2019 refinements). The reduction strategies are determined on the basis of local research results and focus groups. For this purpose, the individual production and accounting model TIPI-CAL is applied. The economic analysis is extended by questioning cattle farmers about their willingness to implement reduction measures.

Our Research Questions

• What are the greenhouse gas profiles of typical cattle production systems in different production regions?
• Which greenhouse gas reduction strategies can be applied in the different production systems and regions and what are the associated reduction potential and costs?
• What are the barriers to the implementation of reduction strategies and how high is the probability of adoption in this context?
• What are the potential side effects of mitigation strategies and how relevant are their climate impacts?

Preliminary Results

Project results are available via the linked publications.