Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from crop production using the farm energy analysis tool

Because emissions data from cultivation of feed ingredients and manufacture of feed were not available for the study region except for dried distillers grains with solubles, the Farm Energy Analysis Tool was used, an open-source database greenhouse gas emission model calibrated with an extensive crop production literature database.

“Because emissions data from cultivation of feed ingredients and manufacture of feed were not available for our study region (except for DDGS), we used the Farm Energy Analysis Tool, an open-source database GHG emission model calibrated with an extensive crop production literature database”

The LCA model of Camargo et al. (2013) included production of inputs and processes not included in conventional beef production LCAs, such as feed-associated pest management and transportation of inputs.

“Additionally, the LCA model of Camargo et al. (2013) included production of inputs and processes not included in conventional beef production LCAs, such as feed-associated pest management and transportation of inputs.”

The slightly greater feed production emissions were likely because the FL ration included only a small proportion of legume forages and a larger proportion of DDGS and corn grain which have greater emissions per kg than other feedstuffs.

“Feed production emissions in the FL finishing scenario were slightly greater than those reported by Lupo et al. (2013) and Pelletier et al. (2010), likely because our FL ration included only a small proportion of legume forages and a larger proportion of DDGS and corn grain which have greater emissions per kg than other feedstuffs (Camargo et al., 2013).”