Greenhouse gas emissions and economic performance of Canadian cow–calf farms

The study aimed to quantify financial performance, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and identify relationships between the two in Canadian cow–calf operations. Benchmark farms ( n = 62) were established from 225 cow–calf operations grouped by similar management systems (calving date, weaning date, herd size, winter feedstuff, and winter feeding days). Emissions were estimated using a whole-farm emissions model (Holos), and emission factors for canola meal, protein supplements, and minerals were expressed in kg CO 2 e per kg liveweight (LW) sold (emission intensity, EI). For economic analysis, the TIPI-CAL model was used to evaluate financial performance. Based on EI, the top and bottom 25% quartiles were designated as the high EI (HEI) and low EI (LEI) farms, respectively. The mean EI was 38.4 kg CO 2 e/kg LW in HEI and 23.1 kg CO 2 e/kg LW in LEI. The LEI farms had a higher ( P < 0.01) revenue, related to LW output. Cluster analysis indicated the LEI farms were associated with greater medium-term profit, revenue, cull cow percentages, calf weaning weight, and average daily gain. Some HEI farms were associated with direct and indirect N 2 O emissions, while others with enteric and manure CH 4 , and energy CO 2 . Improving productivity and lowering depreciation cost simultaneously improves GHG and economic efficiency of farms.