Cattle digestion processes release methane, while manure releases nitrous oxide – both of which are greenhouse gases. In a pilot project by the Rural Support Service, the volume of GHG emissions from five dairy farms last year was collated to analyse opportunities for reduction.

The “Kalna Dambrāni” farm in the Viesīte parish of Jēkabpils municipality has a total of around 1,800 head of cattle. The dairy farm manager, Iveta Tīrumniece, is one of the participants in the GHG emission tracking project. The farm has been operating in the sector for 20 years, and the owner assessed that, aside from proper manure management, emissions caused by cattle can be significantly reduced through high-quality fodder, which is in turn easier to control if the farmers grow it themselves.