Over 50 dairy farms from across the UK have been appointed to join the
newly launched UK Dairy Carbon Network – a pioneering initiative that
puts practical, science-backed greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies
into action on commercial farms.

Led by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and funded by DEFRA,
the project brings together a UK-wide consortium of leading research
institutions and industry organisations with one clear mission: to show
that reducing emissions can go hand-in-hand with improving farm efficiency
and productivity.

“We are delighted to have brought together such a strong network of
committed dairy farmers,” said Professor Steven Morrison, Project
Director at AFBI. “These farms will act as living examples of what can be
achieved when practical science meets on-the-ground know-how. The learnings
we generate will be shared widely to help the whole sector move forward
together.”

The farms are grouped into four regional networks: South and South-West
England/Wales; Cumbria and South-West Scotland; North-West England and
Northern Ireland. Work is underway gathering partial carbon footprints for
each farm to inform discussions on options to reduce GHGs and monitor
progress over time.

Over the course of the three-year programme, farms will implement and
assess a range of approaches proven to reduce emissions, selected from five
priority areas identified by the project, which include:

* Breeding for reduced methane
* Optimising feed formulation
* Improving health and disease control
* Enhancing forage quality and utilisation
* Enhanced nutrient planning

Farm liaison officers in each region will work closely with the appointed
farms, providing hands-on support and facilitating knowledge-sharing
opportunities through open days, farm walks, and peer-to-peer events. These
activities are designed to accelerate learning, helping farmers across the
UK see the benefits of GHG-reducing practices in action.

By demonstrating practical solutions on real farms, the UK Dairy Carbon
Network aims to break down barriers to change and fast-track the adoption
of methods that reduce GHG emissions while supporting the long-term
resilience and profitability of the UK dairy industry.