By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has teamed up with bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Enteric Methane Innovation Tools for Lower Emissions and Sustainable Stock (EMIT LESS) Act. This act aims to reduce methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle on American family farms and ranches voluntarily.
As Wisconsin's farmers are crucial to feeding families, Baldwin emphasizes the need to equip them with innovative practices to reduce emissions while ensuring their success. Enteric methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted during livestock digestion, constitutes a significant portion of agricultural emissions.
The EMIT LESS Act expands research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop products like feed additives and practices that decrease these emissions. It also offers voluntary incentives through conservation programs to encourage adoption by farmers and ranchers.
Baldwin's efforts extend to supporting Wisconsin farmers' access to innovative products to meet climate goals and compete globally. Her bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act of 2023 facilitates access to FDA-approved feed additives that enhance efficiency in meat and dairy production while reducing byproducts.
The EMIT LESS Act is spearheaded by Senators Michael Bennet of Colorado and Mike Crapo of Idaho and co-sponsored by Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas. It enjoys support from various organizations including the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). Gregg Doud, NMPF's President and CEO, applauds the bipartisan effort, highlighting the potential of innovative feed ingredients to aid dairy farmers in their stewardship efforts.
Once approved, these additives will require resources and support for widespread adoption, a need Baldwin's legislation aims to address through targeted USDA conservation programs. The collective effort underscores Wisconsin's commitment to sustainable farming practices and its pivotal role in the nation's agricultural landscape.
Photo Credit: depositphotos-simazoran
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle