Abstract
Concern over climate change and GHG emissions has prompted research into new ways to deal with the climate crisis among many sectors, including the dairy industry. As Idaho is the third largest dairy producer in the nation, the Idaho Dairymen’s Association (IDA) has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 (Naerebout 2021). This paper explores the potential implementation of carbon reduction projects within Idaho’s dairy industry. Our goals were to (1) explore options available to farmers, (2) evaluate producer perceptions and the state of adoption of these projects, (3) identify potential barriers to adoption and (4) discuss areas where future efforts should be concentrated. Instead of concentrating on a single practice or technology, we examine what producers’ perceptions and attitudes are toward different tools for combating climate change within Idaho dairies and examine which may show the most promise for wider implementation.
Inferences were drawn from a focus group held in March of 2023 that included eight producers and other individuals relevant to the Idaho dairy industry. Participants provided information regarding carbon reduction projects that are either operational, in-progress, or planned in their respective operations. A particular focus was on manure management where it relates to meeting the net-zero goal. Better manure management techniques and technologies (e.g., composting, use of centrifuge systems, anerobic digesters) could play a major role in meeting industrywide net-zero targets be reducing emissions from manure. (Place, McCabe, and Mitloehner 2022; Benavidez, Thayer, and Anderson 2019; Rolph, Forest, and Ruark 2019). We also asked a series of questions regarding motivations, perceptions, and incentives for implementation. This included the potential for marketing ”climate-smart” (sustainably sourced) commodities, and the possibility of revenue from certain projects, such as carbon offsets and other non-monetary benefits. In addition to the open-ended questions regarding the previously mentioned topics, participants were asked to complete a short questionnaire on demographic information and operational characteristics. Focus group procedures will be drawn from Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research (4th Edition) by Krueger and Casey (2009).
Our primary finding was that Idaho producers demonstrated some willingness to engage with net zero given favorable economics on proposed projects. There are, however, several factors that can play a role in deterring producers from transitioning to more sustainable practices. Some include high capital outlay required for certain projects, uncertainty around the future of carbon markets and funding for these projects, no concrete direction around future regulation and government support, and even greater uncertainty on how private milk buyers can/might enforce their own sustainability benchmarks. On the other hand, many incentives are currently available to producers, including government and private funding for certain projects focused on regenerative agriculture that have the potential to offset some or all of these concerns.