Tuesday March 11 Ag News

NEBRASKA ETHANOL INDUSTRY REMAINS KEY ECONOMIC DRIVER, STUDY SHOWS

The Nebraska ethanol and co-products industry remains a significant and stable force that contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy, according to a new study from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The study analyzes the industry’s economic impact from 2021-2023 and was conducted by the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Bureau of Business Research, in partnership with the Nebraska Ethanol Board. It reveals that the industry’s economic output compares favorably to the overall economic output of the state, other ag sectors and non-ag economic drivers. The positive impact of the Nebraska ethanol and co-products industry is spread throughout the state, directly creating 1,800 jobs at an average annual salary of about $80,000 between 2021 and 2023.

The study found that ethanol production in Nebraska has remained steady, despite fluctuations in the general economy. In 2020, overall ethanol production was 1.847 billion gallons. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, ethanol production totaled 2.036 billion, 2.018 billion and 2.008 billion gallons, respectively. With the value of co-products added in, the total value of the industry’s output in each year of the study was: $5.699 billion (2021), $6.932 billion (2022) and $6.031 billion (2023).

The ethanol industry continues to rank as the state’s third-largest agricultural sector, trailing only corn and cattle in terms of agricultural output, and is significantly ahead of soybean output. Overall, the value of ethanol output in Nebraska from 2021-2023 was equal to 68% of corn, 50% of cattle and 169% of soybeans.

The production of ethanol co-products helped to offset low ethanol prices during the period covered in the study. In addition to growing markets for distillers grains in past years, products like corn oil, corn syrup and hand sanitizer contributed to total co-product production that was 45% of ethanol value in both 2022 and 2023.

“For every dollar of ethanol produced or sold, 45 cents of co-products were produced and sold,” said Eric Thompson, Karl H. Nelson Professor and chair of economics and director of the Bureau of Business Research, who co-authored the report. “The evidence shows that the ethanol industry is an important part of Nebraska’s value-added agriculture sector.”

New to this year’s study was a comparison of the ethanol industry to the overall Nebraska economy. In 2022, the economic impact attributed to the ethanol industry was $8.18 billion. In that same year, Nebraska’s annual gross domestic product was $167.5 billion. To put this in perspective, the report compares the ethanol industry to the overall economic impact of the College World Series, which was $88 million in 2019, growing to $115 million in 2024. The overall economic impact of the ethanol industry is more than 50 times that of the College World Series’ 2024 total.

Ethanol and co-product production were directly responsible for the equivalent of 1,800 full-time jobs between 2021 and 2023. These jobs were spread across the state, averaging 75 jobs per plant. The minimum number of jobs directly created by an ethanol plant during this period was 27, with a maximum of 430. For reference, half of the plants included in the study are in towns with fewer than 1,900 residents.

According to the modeling technique the study used to quantify indirect economic activity, the ethanol industry is responsible for creating 7,162 additional jobs and another $1.255 billion of economic activity throughout the state in 2022.

It is not surprising that ethanol plants are general economic activity drivers in the state, according to Tim Meyer, associate professor of practice in the Department of Agricultural Economics, and one of the researchers on the study.

“Given the industry’s ability to rebound after a period of low ethanol prices and the production complications during COVID-19, it is our opinion ethanol will continue to be a large driver of economic impact for an extended period of time,” Meyer said. “It continues to provide stable employment and billions of dollars generated for small communities across the state and Nebraska overall.”

The study’s full report is available on the Department of Agricultural Economics website, https://agecon.unl.edu/ethanol.



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes UNL Study Showcasing Ethanol's $6B Role in State Economy

The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) today applauded the release of a new comprehensive study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), which details the significant economic and agricultural contributions of Nebraska’s ethanol industry.
 
Conducted by UNL’s Department of Agricultural Economics, the 2021 – 2023 Economic Impacts of the Nebraska Ethanol and Co-Products Industry report reveals how ethanol production fuels job creation, supports corn growers, and bolsters rural development across the state—cementing Nebraska’s status as a national leader in renewable fuels. In 2023, that included ethanol production of more than 2 billion gallons, which contributed to a total industry impact of more than $6 billion across the state.
 
“This UNL study is a testament to the strength and resilience of Nebraska’s ethanol industry—and its unmatched importance to our state,” Nebraska Ethanol Board Interim Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “From supporting thousands of jobs to driving demand for our corn crop, ethanol is a crucial pillar of Nebraska’s economy. We’re proud to see these impacts documented so clearly, and the NEB remains committed to advancing this industry’s success.”
 
The report highlights the record economic impacts of the industry during the years studied, including an all-time high of $8.18 billion in 2022. This includes the value of ethanol and co-products sold, as well as labor and tax effects. Nebraska’s 24 ethanol plants support 1,800 full-time equivalent employees, the report says, with average annual wages of nearly $80,000. Co-product value was also noteworthy, with existing and new co-product markets adding to 45% of ethanol value. That means that for every dollar of ethanol produced and sold, $0.45 of co-products were also sold.
 
“The ethanol industry supports great careers in our rural communities, and we’re glad the report captures that value,” Rhodes said. “The research team did an excellent job highlighting the impact this industry has on Nebraska’s people and the agriculture sector. This report showcases an industry that is mature, strong, and committed to future growth.”
 
This is the latest in a series of impact reports that the Department of Agricultural Economics has conducted regarding Nebraska’s ethanol industry. Previous reports covered the time periods 2010 – 2014, 2015 – 2017, 2018 – 2019, and 2020. The 2021 – 2023 report adds a new element to the analysis, comparing the ethanol industry to a flagship Nebraska event, the College World Series (CWS). The CWS adds $115 million per year to the state’s economy. The ethanol industry’s multi-billion dollar impact, according to the researchers, is more than 50 times that of the CWS.



Pork Producers Announce New Executive Director

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) is pleased to announce that Seth Mitchell from Raleigh, North Carolina, will take over the executive director position for NPPA in April of 2025. Mitchell will fill the vacancy created by retiring Al Juhnke.

The selection was made after a national search and selection process. “We are very excited with this appointment,” stated Ryan Preister, NPPA President. “Seth will bring leadership and creativity to the Association. His connections in the swine industry at the national level will be a great asset to Nebraska Pork.”

Mitchell’s resume includes rotations of the pork industry immersion program with the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and, most recently, with the North Carolina and Virginia Pork Councils, where he gained experience in public affairs, communications, and government relations. He was raised on a show pig operation in southern Illinois and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, attaining degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural and Consumer Economics.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to lead NPPA and advocate for an industry that provides so much value to the economy and families across the state,” stated Mitchell. “Nebraska’s pork producers work hard on farms each day to ensure their economic, social, and environmental sustainability. I will strive to serve Nebraska’s pork producers by telling that story, representing their voices, protecting their freedom to operate, and investing in the next generation. As executive director, I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders and working alongside producer leaders and the dedicated team at NPPA to advance our industry.”




Five UNL Students Named to 2025 Pork Ambassador Program

Five University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the 2025 Nebraska Pork Producers Association’s Pork Ambassador Program. They are: Forest Rutledge, from Yuma, Colorado; Carter Holtmeier, from Plymouth, Nebraska; Dalton Williams, from Grantsville, Utah; Alexis Warner, Blair, Nebraska; and Claire Scheideler, Ayr, Nebraska.

Alexis Warner is a freshman studying animal science at UNL. She has been involved in the pork industry through showing pigs for the past seven years and by being active on the Nebraska Swine Circuit Junior Board. She has learned many skills from this involvement, but she would love to learn even more through experiences as a pork ambassador. She has built a large network through these experiences, but she looks forward to learning even more about the pork industry. Alexis participates in the Nebraska Pork Ambassador Program because she wants to increase her knowledge about the pork industry. She also wants to continue to grow her network and experience new things. She feels she has learned so much about the swine industry throughout her life, but she knows she still has so much to learn, and that excites her greatly. She wants to better understand the pork industry so she can be a better advocate. She is very passionate about the swine industry and cannot wait to share her passion with others.

Claire Scheideler is a freshman studying animal science at UNL. She has grown up around the show side of the pork industry. Her dad has raised show pigs for over 35 years. As a little kid, she did chores with him, and saw how pigs grew. As she has gotten older, she has taken on a bigger role in helping with the whole operation. During farrowing season, she helps him pull any piglets, give shots, castrate, dock tails, and even give ear notches. When she hit 4-H age she showed pigs at the county fair, state fair, and Aksarben Stock Show. She feels she has been lucky to have experienced this side of the pork industry, shaping her into who she is today. Alexis participates in the Nebraska Pork Ambassador Program because of all the connections and experiences she expects to gain. She will be able to grow her knowledge of different parts of the pork industry. Being around people who have the same passion for the livestock industry is important to her and something she really enjoys.

Forest Rutledge is a sophomore studying animal science at UNL. Back home in Yuma, he and his family commercially raise pigs. They currently have four different confinement sites where they have fattened pigs for over 20 years. His dad, Brett Rutledge, has been president of the Colorado Pork Producers Council, so he has seen all that his dad has done for Colorado pork. He would like to be involved the same way his dad is, and do all that he can to increase the popularity of pork in Nebraska. Forest participates in the Pork Ambassador Program because he wants to create strong connections with producers and gain a deeper understanding of the pork industry in Nebraska.

Carter Holtmeier is a sophomore studying agriculture economics at UNL. Carter raises show pigs for local and out-of -state customers. Talking with the out-of-state customers, he gets to hear what their pork industry is like, and to hear some new ideas that they have. He’s been raising pigs and has been involved in the industry since 2016. He has shown pigs at jackpots, at county and state fairs, even at the national level. His dad and uncle also have finishing barns where they raise commercial pigs from 50 pounds to butcher. So, he has been able to see both sides of the pork industry. Carter participates in the Pork Ambassador Program because he strongly believes in the future of the pork industry. He’s been around pigs all his life. “Everyone has their hobbies, and it just happens that my hobby is in the swine industry,” he says. He wants to be a part of the Pork Ambassador Program to learn more about the industry in deeper detail and more on the marketing side of the industry. He strongly believes the Pork Ambassador Program will help him grow as a future leader in the pork industry.

Dalton Williams is a junior studying agriculture business at UNL. He has raised pigs with his dad and brother since he was little. His family shows their pigs, and it has given him the opportunity to work with young exhibitors and help them succeed. From Utah, he was a part of the Utah pork producer’s youth ambassador program and loved his time there. However, Utah isn’t known for the pork industry, so by coming to Nebraska he knew this was a place where he could be more involved with the industry. Dalton participates in the Nebraska Pork Ambassador Program because the pork industry is truly a passion of his. Since an early age, he has raised swine and loves everything about the business. The Pork Ambassador Program will provide him much knowledge of the industry, he says.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Nebraska Poultry

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Dawson County.  This latest case brings the total number of Nebraska flocks impacted by HPAI to 4 backyard flocks affecting approx. 219 birds in 2025.

State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley continues to remind poultry producers to practice good biosecurity with their flocks including minimizing exposure to wild birds and washing hands and changing clothes (including shoes) before and after coming into contact with poultry.  



PIONEERING ANIMAL SCIENTIST GRANDIN TO ATTEND DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

Temple Grandin, a world-renowned expert in animal welfare who transformed the academic understanding of animal behavior, will visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on March 13 for a screening of “An Open Door,” a new documentary about her legacy, in the Hardin Hall auditorium.

Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, will attend a 4 p.m. reception and book signing in the auditorium before the 5:30 p.m. film screening

After the film, she and John Festervand, executive producer of the documentary, will participate in a question-and-answer session at 6:30 p.m.

During her career, Grandin has strengthened the understanding of animal behavior and brought about major changes in livestock industry procedures. Half the cattle in the United States are handled in facilities she designed.

Grandin also has drawn on her own experiences with autism to explain important dimensions of learning and promote understanding of and respect for autistic children and adults.

Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and author, described Grandin’s first book, “Emergence: Labeled Autistic,” as “unprecedented because there had never before been an inside narrative of autism.”

“An Open Door” explains Grandin’s contributions to animal welfare, inclusivity and the understanding of visual thinking. The documentary, presented by Colorado State University, includes interviews with Grandin, colleagues, industry professionals and those she has influenced.

Given Grandin’s wide-ranging legacy, educators, parents, children and the general public are welcome to attend the event, but registration is required at https://go.unl.edu/bmsh.



IDALS Launches Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot Program for Schools

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the launch of the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program for Schools. The pilot program aims to connect Iowa schools with Choose Iowa members to encourage school food service programs to buy more ingredients and serve more products sourced from local farmers and small businesses. The school pilot program was authorized during the 2024 legislative session and is an initiative of Choose Iowa, the state’s branding and marketing program that identifies and promotes Iowa grown, raised and made food, beverages and ag products.

“This program is a win for everyone involved. Students are served fresh, locally produced foods. Schools can support and build relationships with Choose Iowa members in their communities. School food service programs create new markets for small and beginning farmers to sell their products, and that helps generate economic activity in rural communities,” said Secretary Naig. “I strongly encourage schools around the state to apply for participation in this purchasing program.”

Eligible Products, Farmers and Small Businesses
Eligible products include meat and poultry, dairy products (other than milk), eggs, honey and produce. To be eligible for funding, schools must purchase food from a Choose Iowa member. If schools wish to purchase from specific Iowa farmers, they should encourage those farmers or businesses to apply to become a Choose Iowa member. Members will also enjoy a variety of benefits beyond being eligible to participate in this Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot. Food hubs that are Choose Iowa members are also eligible for food purchases within the program. Products purchased through food hubs must come from Iowa producers.

Information for Schools
The program has a total budget of $70,000, and each school building is eligible for up to $1,000. Public and private schools are encouraged to apply. Schools must provide a minimum of a one-to-one (1:1) financial match. For example, a school receiving $1,000 must provide at least $1,000 from other sources for a total of $2,000 spent on local foods through the Choose Iowa program. The deadline for schools to apply is 12 p.m./CT on April 7. Applications will be accepted through the Choose Iowa website, and participating schools will be announced later this spring.

Additional details on the school pilot program can be found on the Choose Iowa website https://www.chooseiowa.com/grants.

The school program accompanies the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Choose Iowa’s Food Purchasing Pilot Program for Food Banks, which launched last summer to connect food banks with Choose Iowa members to help alleviate hunger within our communities.

The Choose Iowa program was initiated by Secretary Naig and is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Questions about Choose Iowa and its member benefits, grants and programs can be emailed to ChooseIowaGrant@IowaAgriculture.gov.



ISU Hosts Three-Part Hay School in March

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be hosting a free, three-part virtual hay school called the “Basics of Haymaking” this March. The school will cover common agronomic practices for haymaking in Iowa and will be held over three weeks during the noon hour.

“Basics of Haymaking” covers a range of haymaking topics, including renovation strategies, fertility management, in-season control of weeds, insects and diseases, as well as harvest management. When done correctly, these fundamental practices can enhance both the production and persistence of your hayfield while optimizing your haymaking process,” said Shelby Gruss, assistant professor in forage extension at Iowa State University.  

Sessions will be held on March 17, 24 and 31 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Topics to be covered at each of the sessions are:
    Session 1: Forage selection, fertility and establishment
    Session 2: Harvest, storage and the economics of hay
    Session 3: Pest management: insects, weeds and diseases

There is no cost to participate in this three-part series, but you must register online http://go.iastate.edu/hayschool. After registering, participants will receive an email message with a link for joining the sessions. In addition, all sessions will be recorded for viewing later.

If you have any questions, please contact Gruss at sgruss@iastate.edu or 515-294-3832.



Registration Open for ISU Lambing Basics Workshop

Registration is open for “Ewe Got This: Lambing Basics Workshop,” set for Saturday, April 12, in Ames. The in-person workshop is tailored for sheep producers seeking to enhance their expertise and understanding of the lambing process and the essential care required for ewes and lambs.

The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Iowa State University Sheep Teaching Farm, 3640 520th Ave., Ames. The registration fee is $30, and registration is open online until April 7 https://go.iastate.edu/PHZPY7.

“Participants will have the unique chance to observe, discuss and engage in practical activities with spring lambing ewes and their offspring. This workshop will be an immersive and educational experience,” said Carolyn Ihde, small ruminant outreach specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and University of Wisconsin - Madison Extension.

For more information, contact Ihde at cihde@wisc.edu.



Groups Urge Senate to Approve Vaden as Deputy Ag Secretary
 
More than 200 agricultural organizations are urging Senate lawmakers to approve the nomination of Stephen Vaden to be the deputy secretary of Agriculture. He served as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the first Trump administration, serving from 2017 to 2020.
 
A native of Tennessee, Vaden grew up working with his father on the family’s diversified row crop farm. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from Yale. Currently, he is a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade.

Vaden first must be approved by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee before moving onto the Senate for a confirmation vote.
 
“As representatives of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and conservationists,” the groups wrote, “we believe that Judge Vaden’s extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to American agriculture make him exceptionally well-qualified to serve in this critical leadership role at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”



Food & Ag Community to MAHA Commission: "We Must Use Sound Science"

More than 300 organizations have sent a letter to health, agriculture and environmental leaders in D.C. calling for sound science and data to be used by the Make America Healthy Again Commission in upcoming evaluations for products essential to food and agriculture. The letter specifically focuses on the importance of pesticides, biotechnology, and food and feed ingredients for farmers and consumers, and it also highlights the ways in which these products are already robustly regulated to ensure their safe use.

Pesticides are called out by the signatories as being essential to protect crops and ensure U.S. consumers can continue to access a safe, abundant and affordable food supply. Biotechnology is important for improving crop yields and sustainability while also improving nutritional outcomes for consumers. Food and feed products are subject to a robust regulatory framework to certify any ingredients permitted for food use are safe for consumers. If access to any of these products is undermined, it could result in higher food costs for consumers or a greater reliance on foreign imports that may be less safe.

“We have long been supporters of quality, science-based regulation to ensure the products we provide consumers are safe, healthy and nutritious,” said Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association president and Kentucky soy farmer. “We’re pleased to discuss the long track record of safety around the products we use and the food we grow on our farms. However, it is essential we continue to use credible science and evidence in regulating these products so we can continue to provide safe, affordable food to the American people and consumers around the world,” said Ragland.

Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode weighed in, stating, “We strongly support public health initiatives based on a science- and risk-based analysis of the entirety of the evidence. Government actions based on urban legend are a disservice to public health and consumer trust. Failing to base government actions on the totality of the scientific record would undermine President Trump’s efforts to limit grocery costs for consumers."

“The vegetable-based protein and oils produced by NOPA members support a healthy, balanced and affordable diet backed by decades of research and analysis. We welcome the opportunity presented by the Make America Healthy Again Commission for an informed dialogue on our industry’s contributions to a healthier America and continued support for a science and risk-based food policy that does not discriminate against ingredients that have long been a cornerstone of modern nutrition and our farm economy,” said Devin Mogler, NOPA president and CEO.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “Farmers and ranchers share the goal of advancing the health of Americans. We’re always looking for ways to do better, but meaningful discussions must reflect the years of sound science, technology and innovation that has enabled farmers to grow a safe and abundant food supply for America’s families.”

The letter was sent to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. It also discusses the importance of retaining quality data standards to prevent misleading or outlier studies from reducing access to much-needed products. The signers expressed openness to working with the Make America Healthy Again Commission on the shared goal of improving health outcomes for all Americans.



Cattle Slaughter and Beef Production Check-In
Will Secor, Extension Livestock Economist, University of Georgia

Cattle slaughter through the end of February 2025 has been lower than last year. This is not a surprise given the tighter inventories that were expected. However, two interesting developments have emerged. First, the distribution of the cattle being processed is shifting. And second, beef production is a bit higher than last year despite this smaller slaughter figure.

Through March 8, the USDA estimated that 5.75 million head of cattle were slaughtered. This is about 3 percent below the same timeframe last year. Steers have increased the share of slaughter to around 49.5 percent of total slaughter (an increase of about 2 percentage points compared to 2024). Steer slaughter is about the same as last year at 2.28 million head. The cow slaughter share has dropped by around 2 percentage points to 17.6 percent of total cattle slaughtered.

Cow slaughter has plummeted in 2025. Cumulative slaughter figures through February 22 suggest that all cow slaughter has fallen by 15 percent year-over-year. Beef cow slaughter has declined further to 22 percent below cumulative slaughter totals through the same time last year. At the current rate, about 9 percent of the beef cow inventory may be slaughtered in 2025.

Heifer slaughter has also fallen slightly in 2025. The USDA estimated that heifer slaughter through the beginning of the year so far was around 1.46 million head. This is about 1.7 percent below last year’s estimate of 1.49 million head. Notably this decline is outpaced by the decline in cow slaughter.

In contrast to these declines, beef production increased slightly in 2025. Through the first week of March, approximately 5.02 billion pounds of beef were produced. This compares to around 4.96 billion pounds of beef produced during the same time last year. This represents a 1.3 percent increase this year compared to 2024.

The beef production increase is due to higher cattle carcass weights. USDA data suggest that cattle dressed weights averaged 876 pounds last week. This was 4 percent higher year-over-year. Dressed weights have averaged between 3 and 5 percent heavier than last year. This continues last year’s significant increase in dressed weights compared to 2023 and 5-year averages.

Combined, these slaughter and beef production trends appear to be a continuation of last year’s trends. This is not entirely surprising given the feed cost and inventory situation. In the months ahead, beef cow slaughter will need to be watched for any signs of change. This is one leading indicator for cattle herd re-building. Additionally, should these higher dressed weights continue, the USDA may need to revise beef production estimates higher this year. This (or other revisions) may have an impact on cattle markets this year.



Rumin8 achieves a 95.2% methane reduction in cattle trial at UC Davis

The first published scientific paper on a Rumin8 animal trial conducted by a leading academic institution has found that Rumin8's investigational veterinary product reduced total methane emissions in cattle by 95.2%, with no significant impact on animal production parameters or the rumen environment.

"The effect of Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product – a bromoform based feed additive – on enteric methane emissions, animal production parameters, and the rumen environment in feedlot cattle," L Kelly, et al, was published in Translational Animal Science.

The trial was conducted by the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and evaluated the effects of the Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product (IVP) on enteric gas emissions, animal production parameters and the rumen environment.

"Compared to other studies on synthetic halogenated methane analogues, the CH4 reductions observed with Rumin8 oil IVP in this study are among the most substantial reported," the study's authors concluded. "Neither treatment significantly affected animal production parameters or rumen environment parameters."

The trial, which involved 24 cattle split into three groups and fed a total mixed ration (TMR), found total methane emissions were reduced by 95.2%, methane yield (g/kg DMI) was reduced by 93.0%, and methane intensity (g/kg ADG) was reduced by 93.4% when Rumin8's oil IVP was added to the feed.

"These findings suggest that the Rumin8 oil IVP, containing synthetic bromoform [or tribromomethane], has the potential to reduce enteric methane emissions," the study's authors said.

The authors noted that animal source foods provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients with high bioavailability, which is key to addressing global undernutrition. Consumption of meat and milk is forecast to increase by 73% and 58% respectively by 2050, and "reducing enteric methane emissions is therefore crucial to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock systems and to achieve national and international climate goals".

Rumin8 methane reducing feed and water additives are addressing those climate goals. The company's patented technology uses a highly scalable, consistent and cost-efficient pharmaceutical process to stabilize the target compound (tribromomethane), the most effective anti-methanogenic compound studied to date.

Rumin8 CEO David Messina said: "The UC Davis trial and publication marks an important milestone for Rumin8, as a globally renowned research institution has now validated the methane reductions Rumin8 seen in Rumin8 studies conducted in Australia, New Zealand and Brazil."

Additional trials are currently underway in the key cattle markets globally as Rumin8 pursues regulatory approval for its novel feed and water delivered methane reducing additives.