What We Hope
to Learn
Farming’s future depends on finding a better balance. To us, this means a more sustainable approach, which brings both economic and environmental benefits. With this study, our goal is to take a good, hard look at regenerative farming. So we can learn more about its impact on Align’s farming systems.
But this study isn’t just about our own environmental footprint. It’s about finding a way for all dairy farmers to reduce their greenhouse emissions, so we can collectively meet the Paris Accord agreements. That’s why we’re sharing all our findings – including financial figures – with our dairying colleagues.
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Can regenerative dairy farming be as profitable as conventional farming?
Our study is exploring regenerative farming’s potential for lower costs, improved animal health, and comparable production levels.
All of which would make regenerative farming as profitable as – if not more so – than conventional farming. -
Can regenerative farming help reduce dairying’s impact on the environment?
We’re investigating regenerative farming’s ability to improve carbon conversion through improved soil function. We’re also analysing the ability of lower synthetic nitrogen inputs, and no-tillage practices, to reduce carbon losses – and how this helps reduce carbon emissions.
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Can regenerative farming improve milk’s nutritional value?
A regenerative system can lead to more diversity in livestock’s diet, and fundamental changes in soil chemistry. We’re monitoring these changes, and noting how they affect the nutritional profile of the milk we produce. For comparison, we’re also analysing conventional farming milk profiles.
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Could livestock’s health and wellbeing benefit from a regenerative system?
Livestock that graze on regenerated land can enjoy a more varied diet – with more nutrient-dense, high-quality plants, and fewer synthetic inputs. Through our research, we’re exploring whether this in turn means healthier and longer-living livestock.
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Could regenerative farming change the community’s perception of dairy farming?
If regenerative farming shows a marked improvement in nutrient losses, water quality, and animal health, this could lead to growing acceptance of dairy as a valuable part of both the local community, and the national economy. So as part of our studies, we’re also monitoring the community’s response via social media, website traffic, media references, team surveys, and more.