Future Farm Leads in Reducing Ammonia Emissions Through Sustainable Practices

In a significant development for sustainable agriculture, Future Farm, located at Duchy College Stoke Climsland and part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), has been spotlighted for its pioneering approach to mitigating ammonia emissions in the farming sector.

The facility is set to be featured in an educational video that highlights its efforts in implementing innovative practices to combat the challenge of ammonia emissions, which account for 87% of the UK’s total emissions from farming activities.

This initiative comes as part of a collaboration between LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF), and other key partners, including Natural England, Defra, the Environment Agency, and the Forestry Commission. The project aims to produce a series of farmer video case studies focusing on various aspects of sustainable farming, with the goal of offering practical and cost-effective solutions for farmers and their advisors.

Anthony Baggaley, the manager of Future Farm, underscores the importance of the research and practices being undertaken at the Stoke Climsland site. The farm has been exploring methods such as improving slurry management and adjusting cow diets to reduce ammonia and methane emissions. These efforts not only have the potential to bring about savings but also offer health benefits for livestock.

Future Farm behind the scenes CSF LEAF film

One of the notable trials conducted by Future Farm involves lowering protein levels in livestock feed, a strategy aimed at reducing ammonia emissions without negatively impacting dairy cow productivity or fertility. Additionally, the use of low emission flooring in the facility’s cubicle shed facilitates the separation and prompt removal of urine and feces, leading to a decrease in ammonia emissions and improved foot health for cattle.

The upcoming video, set to be released later this year on the Catchment Sensitive YouTube channel, will showcase these and other sustainable practices adopted by Future Farm. It will join a series of other videos addressing various sustainable farming topics, such as nutrient use efficiency, rainwater harvesting, improving soil structure, regenerative agricultural practices, slurry management, and Integrated Pest Management.

This focus on sustainable practices at Future Farm not only contributes to the reduction of harmful emissions but also sets a precedent for dairy farms across the UK and beyond. For those interested in pursuing studies in agriculture with a focus on sustainability, Duchy College offers a range of programs and resources. Further information can be found on their website at duchy.ac.uk.