Climate Change

Climate Change

climate

At the crop management conference, we heard from Jim Angel, Illinois Climatologist.  Angel presented some compelling evidence that our climate has changed for the  warmer over the past 100 years.  His opinion is that some of this change is man induced.  That is not  a huge stretch considering that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has tripled since the beginning o the industrial revolution.  Not all of that has been from burning fossil fuels.  Farming more land than ever has contributed  too, because of the breakdown of organic matter.

I did not get to discuss the issue with Mr. Angel, but I have not heard from anyone as to how much carbon dioxide we need to sequester to reverse the trend.  I also have not heard. What is the cost?

It  seems there are some positive developments from climate change.  Carbon dioxide may be increasing crop yields.  It may be an advantage that the corn belt is moving north.

Global Temperatures since 1900.  

Grazing Animals and Greenhouse Gases

Grazing Animals and Greenhouse Gases

climate Grazing livestock

To me, there is logic in raising grazing animals to convert inedible rass to edible and nutritionally needed protein. the grazing animals also help to manage and enhance the grassland.  becausw thw animals emit greenhouse gasses, they are seen as part of the climate problem.  In the article, "The role of ruminants in reducing agriculture’scarbon footprint in North America." researchers use existing literature to conclude that the benefits of grazing animals to the environment and to human nutrition far outweighs their negative impacts in a well managed grazing program.