Climate Change Data

Irish Cattle Breeding Federation Society Ltd

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018)

Reporting Period: 2018

Environmental Metrics

Carbon Intensity:Reduced carbon emissions per kg of beef.

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Economic Sustainability

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduction in carbon emissions per kg of beef by 14% through improved herd replacement index (from 11.6 kg to 10 kg CO2 eq).

Social Achievements

  • Beef Data & Genomics Program (BDGP) engaging 23k suckler herds and ~550k cows, resulting in improved profitability and sustainability.
  • Successful pilot project for DNA-based calf registration.

Governance Achievements

  • Farmer-owned and controlled organization driving change in the beef industry through data-driven breeding programs.

Climate Goals & Targets

Short-term Goals:
  • Increase herd replacement index to €200+.

Environmental Challenges

  • Agriculture contributes to 12% of global GHG emissions (33% in Ireland), with cattle being a significant contributor.
  • Need to improve the speed of herd improvement to reach a €200+ herd replacement index.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Beef Data & Genomics Program (BDGP) to breed more profitable, sustainable, and carbon-efficient cows.
  • Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) scheme to collect weight data from up to 500k suckler cows and calves.
  • GreenBreed project to develop tools and resources to improve the environmental footprint of beef production.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Opportunities
  • Breeding more climate-efficient cows.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

Improved breeding practices contribute to food security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.