Measuring methane emissions from cattle feedlots to improve policies for achieving net zero emissions by 2050

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The beef industry while contributing $21.8 billion to Canada's GDP, is a major source of methane (CH4) emissions. Approximately 60% of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted from beef farms is in the form of CH4, derived from enteric fermentation by the animal and from manure. Recently the WMO has stated that CH4 is the most rapidly rising GHG. Canada has instituted a Methane Strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in which recommendations are made for curbing emissions in the livestock sector. The beef industry has set a target of reducing GHG emissions by 33% over the next 10 years. However, techniques for monitoring CH4 emissions, spatially and temporally, over large intensive feedlot airsheds are lacking. The overall goal of this project is to investigate new airborne technologies to monitor CH4 emissions from feedlots, and use the data to develop innovative policies and economic instruments that can support emissions reductions. The study will be conducted over the most intensive feedlots in Canada, stretching from Calgary to Lethbridge. The project will be led by a multidisciplinary team of researchers at McGill University and University of Alberta, in conjunction with industry partner, GHGSat, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientists in Lethbridge. A methane sensor mounted on a small, fixed wing aircraft will be flown by GHGSat over the feedlots three times per year, to obtain CH4 concentration maps. The GHGSat emissions data requires baseline data which will be obtained from a UAV outfitted with an AERIS Technologies MIRA methane sensor. Comparison of the two types of airborne data with ground data provides a scientific basis for the industry to monitor, review and verify emissions. Innovative approaches to econometric modelling and choice experiments will support feedlot operators in the selection of emission reduction technologies. Improved monitoring of CH4 emissions will contribute to Canada's national inventory of GHGs, as well as guide the livestock industry in achieving its 33% reduction in emissions.