The UK Dairy Carbon Network is an innovative, farmer-focused initiative that brings together over 50 UK dairy farms and supply chain partners to demonstrate practical approaches for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project is designed to help farmers adopt realistic, farm-ready solutions that support both environmental and economic sustainability.
Led by AFBI and funded by DEFRA, the project is supported by a UK-wide consortium of leading research and industry organisations including AHDB; AgriSearch; Aberystwyth University; ADAS; Harper Adams University; Newcastle University; SRUC; Queen’s University Belfast; UK AgriTech Centre and the University of Reading.
There is increasing pressure from government, the supply chain and consumers for the dairy sector to decarbonise. This project enables real-world demonstrations that provide valuable insights to enhance farm resilience and benefit the wider industry.
The project targets six key areas with established potential for measurable GHG reductions:
- Breeding for reduced methane
- Optimising feed formulation
- Improving health and disease control
- Enhancing forage quality and utilisation
- Efficient use of fertiliser
- Enhanced nutrient planning
Participating farms are grouped into four regional networks – South and South-West England/Wales; Cumbria/South-West Scotland; North-West England and Northern Ireland. Each farm will choose and implement a minimum number of tailored approaches that best fit its farming system, geography and climate.
Farms are supported by a dedicated farm liaison officer who helps develop a bespoke implementation plan and provides ongoing support throughout the three-year project.
A key strength of the UK Dairy Carbon Network lies in its collaborative approach. By combining the expertise and experience of farmers, industry, academia and policymakers, the project offers practical demonstrations of how to integrate GHG-reducing activities into everyday operations – often with co-benefits for efficiency and productivity.
Throughout the project, learnings will be shared through open days, farm walks and peer-to-peer learning opportunities – giving farmers the chance to see how GHG-reducing practices are working in real time on farms like their own.
Ultimately, the insights gained will help speed up the adoption of climate-friendly practices, supporting the environmental and economic resilience of UK dairy farming.