New Research Reveals Methane Emissions from Manure Management Could Be Five Times Higher

The research, conducted on two dairy farms in Cornwall, revealed actual methane emissions fr om slurry to be 145kgs and 198kgs per cow—significantly higher than the UK's National Inventory figure of 38kgs per cow. This discovery could reshape current strategies aimed at mitigating methane's environmental impact.

Despite the negative implications of higher methane levels, the study highlights a significant business opportunity for farmers. By capturing methane and converting it into biogas, the UK dairy sector could save over £400 million annually in fuel costs, with individual farms potentially reducing energy expenses by £52,500 on average.

Cornwall County Council has already supported a biogas processing trial involving six farms, wh ere the captured methane fuels local authority vehicles, demonstrating the practical benefits of this approach.

As George Eustice, chair of IFEAA, stated, "While agricultural emissions are higher than previously thought, capturing methane provides an opportunity to replace fossil fuels and create a new revenue stream for farmers, contributing to the pathway to Net Zero."

This research calls for urgent action to re-evaluate methane emissions from manure management and promote biogas solutions across the dairy industry.