March 15, 2023 | Welsh Government |
Pant y Deri farm in Wales conducted the first UK trial of replacing purchased protein feed with a dual crop of peas and beans for their cattle. The project aimed to cut costs and increase self-sufficiency while reducing the farm's carbon footprint. Growing their own feed eliminated the need to import soy from distant places, reducing emissions and plastic packaging. The nitrogen-fixing crop also reduced the need for purchased fertilizers. The farm used soil mapping technology and GPS systems on tractors to improve efficiency and save money. This trial showcases the potential for data-driven technologies and sustainable practices in achieving net zero emissions in agriculture.