Cargill Research Targets Cow Farming GHG Emissions

Cargill funds research into methane-friendly cow feed, as Tyson Foods and JBS and other food companies target sustainable sources of protein

It is well known that methane emissions from cattle are amongst some of the world’s most pressing challenges to global climate mitigation efforts, particularly as the world's appetite for beef and dairy grows alongside its population.

In response, Cargill, a global food and agriculture leader, has invested US$1m in Colorado State University's AgNext research programme.

This initiative targets the reduction of enteric (of or relating to the small intestine) methane emissions—a natural byproduct of bovine digestion—through a multifaceted approach encompassing dietary modifications, genetic selection and improved manure management.

The AgNext research aims to strike a balance between sustainable animal agriculture practices and the environmental impact of beef production, hoping to provide evidence for developing more effective and scientifically grounded methane mitigation strategies in the beef industry.