Farm returns to carbon credit creation with intensive rotational grazing

Abstract

Intensive rotational grazing systems may produce multiple environmental services, including reduction of the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). This study investigates potential GHG emission reduction credits obtained by converting Virginia cow-calf and dairy farm operations from conventional grazing operations to rotational grazing. The quantity and value of the change in GHG emissions are estimated using new US Department of Energy guidelines. Credits are estimated under three boundary conditions and two accounting metrics. Results suggest conversion to rotational grazing can generate GHG reduction credits, but the financial benefits farms receive from emissions reductions are modest. The amount of credits received is sensitive to choice of accounting metric and boundary definition.