Dr. Frank Mitloehner, University of California Davis CLEAR Center and Rethinking Methane
Dr. Mike McCloskey, Co-Founder and CEO of Select Milk Producers & CEO of Fairlife
The topic today is our carbon footprint, methane, and the dairy industry’s environmental impact on dairy producers, the industry, consumers, and lawmakers. In this week’s pubcast, a podcast from the pub, we dive into all of these topics and more with two experts. From the research perspective, Dr. Frank Mitloehner shared what he sees at the macro level, and Dr. Mike McCloskey, Co-Founder and CEO of Select Milk Producers and CEO of Farlife Milk, discussed his view as a dairy farm leader and processor. Joining the doctors are our cohosts Scott Sorrell and Dr. Clay Zimmerman.
The deep dive on this topic started with a presentation by Dr. Frank Mithloehner from UC Davis on the Real Science Lecturer series. You can find his presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hnys….
Dr. Mitloehner discusses the differences between net zero and net neutral and what net neutral could look like for the dairy and beef industry. 6:32
In California, they have already set stricter restrictions for the dairy industry, but Dr. McCloskey explains why they have worked because they are incentivizing the mandate. 13:03
Agriculture and forestry have a unique place in the carbon discussion. As Dr. Mitloehner explains, they are the only industries also reducing carbon out of the air through photosynthesis. Therefore, it’s not just a discussion on methane. 17:03
The lecture presented by Dr. Frank Mithloehner discusses how feed additives can reduce the amount of methane a cow produces up to 30%, so nutrition is also part of the discussion. 21:23
Since the discussion around carbon footprint is not just a problem in the US dairy industry, Dr. Mitloehner discusses the need to help developing countries increase their efficiency through veterinary, feed, and genetics to help their herds. More efficient cattle mean a natural decrease in numbers and a decrease in carbon output. 31:44
Dr. McCloskey talks about the U.S. dairy industry goal to be net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and believes great strives have already been made, and with all the elements in play, that marker is achievable 45:33
Since this is podcast is set in the virtual, Mike McCloskey shared a refreshing drink that will have you wishing you were on a beach:
Don Q can be substituted with other runs but at your own risk.
Note from Mike: Coconut water should be fresh from the McCloskey Puerto Rican farm as well as the grapefruit, so again, you are at your own risk but do your best to get this fresh! If you have questions about net carbon emissions, feel free to email [email protected].
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