2019 December Board Book

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Dairy Methane Strategies Reduction Evaluation BACKGROUND: Assembly Bill 32 mandates stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction for the state of California. Methane is an important component of the GHG family. Fifty-nine percent of the state’s methane emissions have been attributed to agricultural sources, primarily from manure and enteric fermentation. Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) requires that methane emissions from dairy and livestock manure be reduced by 40% of 2013 levels by 2030. It is unknown if the best methane reduction strategies are similar regardless of dairy size. OBJECTIVE: Develop an understanding of cost-effective and appropriate methane emission strategies for both small and large dairy farms to support the achievement of the 40% reduction goal and ensure efficient and effective investment of resources to achieve California’s goals. INDUSTRY BENEFIT: Information developed from this project will be key to guide dairy farmer and public fund investments in methane mitigation practices with the best cost- benefit ratio for varying dairy size.

Researchers:

CDQAP: Deanne Meyer, UC Davis

Timeline:

2 Years (2018 - 2020 Budget Periods)

2020 CMAB Budget Request: $ 0 CDRF is managing this project through a grant awarded by CDFA in the amount of $213,349.

CDRF 2020 Proposed Budget and Projects