Emissions from Irish dairy farms are “creeping up” despite improved efficiency, according to Teagasc economist Cathal Buckley.

Buckley quoted figures from the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Sustainability Report, and explained that despite improved efficiencies on many dairy farms, the growth of the dairy herd meant emissions were increasing.

He said emissions from dairy farms were “about four times higher” than other sectors.

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Dairy had a gross margin per hectare last year of €1,793 compared to the cattle farm margin of €497/ha

While emissions were higher than on cattle or sheep farms, dairy farms were rated as much more viable. Dairy had a gross margin per hectare last year of €1,793 compared to the cattle farm margin of €497/ha.

Teagasc director Gerry Boyle also said the dairy sector was continuing to improve effieciency and pointed to the report that showed that 40% of dairy farmers were using low-emission slurry spreading and 11% were now using protected urea.