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Dairy · Environment · Footprint

Emissions intensity

0.95 kgCO₂e/L

The greenhouse-gas footprint relative to output — kilograms of CO₂-equivalent (mostly methane from the rumen, plus nitrous oxide and energy) emitted per litre of milk produced.

Worked example · kgCO₂e/L · 4-year trend
Sector 0.9–1.1 0.95 2023 2024 2025 2026
kgCO₂e/L · 4-year trend
The benchmark

Australian dairy averages roughly 0.9–1.1 kg CO₂e per litre of milk; efficient herds sit lower as productivity lifts.

Dairy Australia · Climate ↗
What it signals

Because methane is lost feed energy, low intensity usually goes hand-in-hand with an efficient, productive herd. With processors setting emissions targets, it increasingly protects market access and price.

Data required to calculate
Total litres producedLHerd & feed inputs$Cows by classno.

Silo pulls each of these from the sources the operation already uses, and keeps the figure current automatically.

How to improve it
01

Lift milk per cow and per hectare so emissions are spread over more litres.

02

Improve herd fertility and longevity to cut unproductive animals.

03

Improve feed quality and consider proven methane-reducing feed additives.

Questions & answers

What is emissions intensity?

The greenhouse-gas footprint relative to output — kilograms of CO₂-equivalent (mostly methane from the rumen, plus nitrous oxide and energy) emitted per litre of milk produced.

What data do you need to calculate emissions intensity?

You need: Total litres produced (L), Herd & feed inputs ($), Cows by class (no.). Silo pulls each of these from the sources the operation already uses and keeps the figure current automatically.

What is a good emissions intensity benchmark?

Australian dairy averages roughly 0.9–1.1 kg CO₂e per litre of milk; efficient herds sit lower as productivity lifts.

How do you improve emissions intensity?

Lift milk per cow and per hectare so emissions are spread over more litres. Improve herd fertility and longevity to cut unproductive animals. Improve feed quality and consider proven methane-reducing feed additives.

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