What’s the science between cow burps and methane?

Farmers and ranchers often find themselves defending the industry, especially when it comes to cattle’s impact on environmental sustainability. Air quality specialists are taking a closer look at the farm and say one area separates cow emissions from the rest.

“Methane from livestock is not just produced, it’s also destroyed at almost the same rate,” said renowned livestock researcher Frank Mitloehner. “And this is something that is not currently being appreciated in public policy or in the public discussion of livestock’s impact on the environment.”

Mitloehner also explained why he believes the impact of methane on the climate is overstated.

“Methane has a lifespan of 10 years, and CO2 has a lifespan of 1,000 years,” Mitloehner said. “So, methane that’s in the atmosphere is not just produced, it’s also destroyed. And that’s why the lifespan of methane is only 10 years.”

As far as the cattle producers go, he says they are always doing their part to lessen the impact on the environment.

Related Stories
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
“President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers,” says NCBA
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.