Trust, Cows, Milk, Climate: Dr. Frank Mitloehner
Jeff Simmons
President & CEO at Elanco | Passionate about people, growth & leadership at all levels | Relentless in advancing animal care | Committed to food security for all | Future with climate neutral farms | Family
Excited to launch Shared Table LinkedIn Newsletter. First, what is Shared Table?
I’m a big believer in tables – they symbolize the vision we have at Elanco – Food & Companionship Enriching Life. From our pets under the table to the protein and dairy on the table – from meals to meetings, community and connection to crucial questions with colleagues, friends and family. There’s something incredibly powerful when we sit down, slow down – share a meal and get to know one another more. This monthly newsletter is going to more deeply explore Shared Table - conversations rooted in connection, leadership, purpose, animals and making life better.
Our first Shared Table conversation is more relevant than ever. The topic is in headlines every week and will really heat up this fall with United Nations Climate Week and COP 29 around the corner. I sat down with Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Director, UC Davis CLEAR Center, Department of Animal Science – aka the Greenhouse Gas or GHG Guru. In fact, we were sitting at a table supported on two rather large hay bales in the UC Davis dairy research barn to talk about the next $1-2 billion animal health market – livestock sustainability.
If you read nothing else – remember this quote… “Reducing Methane, Reduces Warming”
Mitloehner talked about what led him to the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research – or CLEAR Center – at UC Davis. It aims to provide clear, science-based information about food production and its impact on the environment. He also highlighted the need for farmers to be more open about their work, as consumers are increasingly interested in how their food is produced.
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Big takeaway…? Climate neutral animal agriculture farms will happen this decade. The cow can be part of the how to reduce climate warming.
With this important framework in mind, the conversation shifted to livestock sustainability and the role of new technologies in this space like Bovaer, a first-in-class methane reducing feed ingredient for use in lactating dairy cattle, that recently completed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration review. The dairy world has an opportunity to continue their tradition of conservation and impact methane in a meaningful way. What excites me the most from this conversation is the clarity Mitloehner has around the path to climate neutral animal agriculture this decade. One of the greatest needs: new tools. We’re excited by the way Bovaer will be able to create value for farmers, for consumers and for the environment. With 500,000 cows already enrolled to track their footprint and the first CPG contracts in final stages, the dairy industry is about to take another big step toward their goal.
I will always remember this moment in our conversation… Carrot or the Stick? We can’t force change for it to be successful. Sustainability must be something that provides the right economic sustainability along with environmental sustainability.
Watch the full conversation here on YouTube.
Beef Cow-calf Consulting Veterinarian
1 周The summary of this needs to be on all the major news stations.
Business Development Leader | Driving New Revenue Streams, Strategic Partnerships, & Market Growth | Experienced Professional in Animal Health & Innovative Solutions
3 个月What a fantastic initiative! The concept of "Shared Table" resonates deeply with me. As a food lover and partner of a chef, I have seen firsthand the power of connection and community that forms around a table. I'm excited to follow these discussions and see how they drive innovation and positive change in our industry.
The Hospitality Vitalist | Top 5% Property Superhost, Co-Host & Experienced Host Coach in the Airbnb Community | CSR Health & Wellbeing Advocacy | Herbalist | Speaker
3 个月Impressive! During a visit to a dairy operation in Germany, I was amazed by the integration of automated machine technology. This farm allowed cows to walk into the milking stalls at their convenience, where they were milked automatically. The process was entirely voluntary for the cows, which not only reduced stress but also optimized milk production. What's even more impressive is that the milk was pasteurized on-site, and customers could bring their glass bottles to fill directly from the milking area. This direct-to-consumer approach minimized waste, eliminated the need for packaging, and ensured that customers received the freshest milk possible. This experience illustrated the profound impact that sustainable practices can have on both the environment and the industry. The use of automated technology not only enhanced the well-being of the animals but also supported the farm's operational efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint. It’s a model that could benefit dairy operations worldwide, especially when shared across borders. Could cows be also be used in Greencare? I look forward to your upcoming discussions and the continued exchange of ideas that drive us all towards a more sustainable future.
Senior Director, Global Food Industry Engagement at Elanco
3 个月Dr. Mitloehner's work on the complex relationship between livestock and climate change is highly valuable, especially given the urgency of finding solutions to reduce global emissions. His research at the UC Davis CLEAR Center is helping to provide much-needed clarity on this critical opportunity. #GHGGURU