2WPRE_04

Summary

Celso Eduardo da Silva, an agronomist and owner of Equilíbrio Rural, discusses the challenges of sustainable dairy farming. He addresses the complexity of emission assessments, the prevalence of 'green washing,' and the importance of adopting conservation practices. Silva emphasizes the need for tailored solutions for small farms, the significance of proper pasture management, and the role of genetic improvement in reducing emissions. He also highlights the importance of integrating farming systems for a holistic approach to sustainable dairy production.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Celso Eduardo da Silva, with a degree in Agronomy and a Master's from UNESP, owns a company focused on sustainable dairy consulting.
• 🗣️ Celso emphasizes the challenge of accurately assessing emissions due to the variability in producer responses and the complexity of available tools.
• 🌱 He discusses the importance of implementing sustainable practices on farms, such as biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and proper animal welfare, regardless of farm size.
• 📉 Celso points out the issue of 'greenwashing', where companies make false claims about their environmental efforts, which is a concern as it misleads the public.
• 🌿 He highlights the need for a more integrated approach to farm management, considering all aspects of the farm as a whole, rather than in isolation.
• 🐄 Celso shares his experience visiting farms, noting that many are not tied to any consultancy or dairy industry support, leading to suboptimal practices.
• 🌾 He emphasizes the critical state of pastures on many farms, with a significant percentage being degraded, which is a serious concern for sustainable dairy production.
• 📈 Celso discusses the potential for improving farm efficiency and reducing carbon emissions through better feed management and genetic improvement of livestock.
• 🔄 He talks about the importance of managing waste effectively, turning it from a problem into a solution by using it as a resource for food production.
• 🌐 He concludes by stressing the need for a deeper connection with farmers, understanding their challenges, and providing tailored solutions to help them reduce emissions sustainably.

Q & A

What is Celso Eduardo da Silva's educational background?

Celso Eduardo da Silva has a degree in Agronomy from the Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho and a master's degree from the same institution.

What type of company does Celso Eduardo da Silva own?

Celso owns a company called Equilíbrio Rural, which is a consulting firm specializing in sustainable dairy farming technology.

What challenges does Celso Eduardo da Silva highlight regarding carbon emission assessments in the dairy industry?

Celso Eduardo da Silva points out the difficulty in accurately assessing carbon emissions due to the variability in producer responses and the complexity of different tools available in the market.

What does Celso refer to as 'Green washings' in the context of the dairy industry?

'Green washings' refers to the false or misleading claims made by companies about their environmental practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, which Celso Eduardo da Silva criticizes as a concerning trend.

How does Celso Eduardo da Silva view the importance of adopting sustainable practices in dairy farming?

Celso Eduardo da Silva emphasizes the significance of adopting sustainable practices, such as conservation agriculture, proper animal welfare, and efficient nutrient management, across all scales of dairy farms.

What is the significance of the European Union's findings on the validity of carbon emission reduction claims, as mentioned by Celso?

The European Union's discovery that 53% of carbon emission reduction claims are false underscores the urgency and complexity of verifying and promoting genuine sustainability efforts in the industry.

What is Celso Eduardo da Silva's perspective on the role of technology and science in dairy farming practices?

Celso believes that technology and science should be closely integrated with practical, on-the-ground farming experiences to ensure that sustainable practices are both effective and feasible for dairy farmers.

What specific examples does Celso Eduardo da Silva provide of integrating different farming systems for better sustainability?

Celso provides examples such as planting diverse crops like corn and legumes, implementing rotational grazing with proper soil management, and using manure as a resource rather than a waste product.

How does Celso Eduardo da Silva describe the impact of proper pasture management on the overall health and productivity of a dairy farm?

Celso highlights that proper pasture management, including maintaining the right grass species and avoiding overgrazing, is crucial for the health of the soil, the welfare of the animals, and the overall productivity and sustainability of dairy operations.

What is the role of genetic improvement in reducing emissions in dairy farming, as discussed by Celso Eduardo da Silva?

Celso Eduardo da Silva discusses that genetic improvement, such as selecting for more efficient milk production traits, can significantly contribute to reducing emissions per unit of milk produced.

What advice does Celso Eduardo da Silva give regarding the application of manure in dairy farming?

Celso advises on the careful application of manure based on the nutrient content required by the soil and the carrying capacity of the land, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to avoid environmental issues.