February’s food for thought…

• For the world’s food supply, federal funding cuts have long-term impacts
• The pioneering dairy farmer keeping calves with their mothers
• Era of ‘global water bankruptcy’ is here, UN report says
• Anaerobic digestion could cut dairy carbon footprint by 20%, study finds
• From milk to growing media: protein fibre offers high-nutrient peat-free option for growers

For the world’s food supply, federal funding cuts have long-term impacts – Taking Stock Newsletter. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a major supporter of global agriculture research. Now many studies are being scuttled or scaled back. Read the article

The pioneering dairy farmer keeping calves with their mothers – BBC News. Instead of the common practice of separating calves from cows within 24 hours, David Finlay in south-west Scotland keeps calves with their mothers for around six months. He says this boosts animal welfare and business profitability and is urging the Scottish government to support a new cow-with-calf programme. Members of the Animal Care Community of Interest may recall when David spoke about his system at one of our meetings. Read the full story 

Era of ‘global water bankruptcy’ is here, UN report says – The Guardian. A UN report warns that the world faces "global water bankruptcy," affecting billions. Overuse and pollution threaten the stability of water systems, risking peace and society. The report notes that many societies use water faster than natural replenishment and have over-exploited aquifers and wetlands. Read the full story and the report.

Anaerobic digestion could cut dairy carbon footprint by 20%, study finds – Bioenergy Insight. Combining continuous crop cover with anaerobic digestion of manure and biomass could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farming, though researchers warn careful management is needed to avoid unintended environmental impacts. Read the article

From milk to growing media: protein fibre offers high-nutrient peat-free option for growers – Farming Future Food. A novel fibre made from waste milk protein is gaining traction as a high-nutrient option to help growers go peat-free – just when they need it most. Read the article