Cows on a pasture beneath a blue sky.
Livestock methane

Helping livestock farmers cut methane emissions

The problem: Globally, agriculture accounts for about 40% of human-caused emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cutting methane is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming, and the majority of agricultural methane emissions come from livestock farming.

What we’re doing about it: Livestock farming supports livelihoods and provides vital nutrition to people around the world. We work with top food companies, farmer organizations and policymakers to support producers in cutting methane while protecting jobs and food supplies. The best solutions are regional and include better manure management, improved productivity — and fewer cow burps.

Our work speeding the transition to climate-smart livestock farming

Opportunities to lower livestock methane emissions

  1. Healthy, productive animals: Improvements in cattle health, feed and breeding can optimize how much milk cattle produce and how quickly they gain weight. This improves farmers’ incomes and nutrition, particularly in lower-income countries.
  2. Better manure management: Changing how manure is stored and treated can reduce the amount of methane generated on farms and provide valuable energy and fertilizer for farms.
  3. Fewer cow burps: Enteric methane emissions, or cow burps, comprise the majority of beef and dairy greenhouse gas emissions. With additional research and development investments and policy support, we can ensure farmers and ranchers have access to a variety of solutions that reduce how much methane livestock burp as they digest their food.

Livestock methane resources

Dig deeper into our work with these resources for researchers, policymakers, journalists and communities.

Our livestock methane experts

We bring wide-ranging perspectives and skills to our work on livestock methane. Meet some of the people who make it happen.

MEDIA CONTACT

Hilary Kirwan

(202) 572-3277 (office)