Efficiency of Dairy Production and its Carbon Footprint

The productivity of the American farmer has increased dramatically over the last century. One hundred years ago a farmer produced enough to feed 15 people and over 40% of the US population was involved in agriculture-related businesses. Today the produce from an average farmer feeds 130 people and farmers represent less than 2% of the U.S. population. The increases in agricultural productivity over the last century have provided the opportunity for our population to pursue the wide range in vocations and lifestyles that we enjoy today. Sustainability is a more recent concept and it is often defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (UN/WCED, 1987). Thus, the application of sustainable agricultural practices that maximize efficiency to produce more food with fewer resources is critical to ensure the balance between present and future needs so that our natural resources are protected for future generations. There are many dimensions to sustainability (Sapp et al., 2009). Indeed, Arnot (2009) emphasized that public confidence in a sustainable agricultural system requires it be economically viable, scientifically verified, and ethically grounded.