Welsh Dairy Farm Sets Benchmark in Sustainability with Low Carbon Footprint

The Howells family of Blaengelli Farm in Whitland has made notable advancements in reducing the environmental impact of their dairy operations, accomplishing a carbon footprint of 1.06kg CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per kilogram of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM). This achievement is rooted in extensive infrastructure investments and a strong commitment to high animal welfare standards.

Roger and Catherine Howells have diligently worked on their sustainability journey, recently participating in an assessment funded by Lloyds Banking Group via the Soil Association Exchange. The evaluation encompassed six vital areas: soil, biodiversity, animal welfare, water, carbon, and social impact. This analysis provides them with targeted insights to identify areas for continuous improvement.

In a statement, Roger highlighted the farm's ongoing commitment: "As part of our contract with our milk processor, we’ve engaged in sustainability audits for the past five years. This was an opportunity to comprehensively assess our farm's ecosystem, focusing more on soil health." The audit detailed aspects like soil pH, and copper and magnesium levels, areas previously unexplored.

Challenges arose amid progress; a recent TB outbreak forced the Howells to increase their replacement rate, impacting their carbon footprint. Nonetheless, they remain steadfast in their sustainability efforts, employing methods such as introducing clover to curtail nitrogen inputs, and improving soil health with manure application and lime to adjust soil pH.

The broader initiative by Lloyds Banking Group seeks to provide farmers with the necessary resources and financial support to usher in sustainable practices, marking Blaengelli Farm as a vanguard in Welsh and UK agriculture's green transition.