A South African web-based platform for measuring carbon emissions on pasture-based dairy farms, helping farmers to manage their carbon footprints, is a finalist for the 2025 edition of the International Dairy Federation’s Dairy Innovation Awards.
By Michelle van der Spuy, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
DESTiny, short for Dairy Environment Sustainability Tool, was nominated in the category Sustainable Farming Practices. Riana Reinecke, a PhD student at Stellenbosch University focusing on sustainable milk production, is the lead researcher behind this evidence-based tool for farmers, which was developed in collaboration with Milk SA and Asset Research.
She says the nomination is recognition of the hard work being done and the fact that the South African agricultural sector is making a real impact, even though it may not rank among the biggest agricultural players that received nominations. This year’s Dairy Innovation Awards attracted more than 125 entries from 23 countries.
The DESTiny tool is underpinned by a comprehensive system dynamics model that, among others, identifies how carbon is emitted, captured and stored on dairy farms. The aim is to help dairy farmers implement sustainable practices, improve their competitiveness and reduce environmental risks, and to align environmental impact with profitability and the development of consumer confidence.
Reinecke, who has held various positions in the dairy industry, says that thanks to DESTiny, her research goes beyond theory and provides practical insights and affordable solutions for dairy farmers who want to farm more sustainably.
The contribution of dairy and beef cattle to carbon emissions has long been a thorny topic.
“It’s a two-pronged issue. On the one hand, there is a perception that ruminants, particularly dairy and beef cattle, are a major cause of carbon emissions – they are seen as the problem. So one part of the research is to establish whether this is truly the case and to understand the science behind it. The other part is to find ways to address the problem in a manner that is practical for farmers and follows a holistic approach.”
She adds that it is important to give farmers workable solutions rather than only confronting them with criticism and problems, as this could push some to consider leaving the dairy industry altogether. “If everything is labelled as a big problem, and farmers are forced in a certain direction – for example, if a tax on carbon emissions is introduced – it will only end up punishing them. Profit margins in farming are simply too small to absorb such costs. This, in turn, would have a negative impact on food security.”
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Over Time, Farmers Will Reap the Benefits of Lower Carbon Emissions
Reinecke says her research has so far focused on grazing farms, but she now also plans to study farms that use complete feed systems.
She says it can be misleading to visit a farm with a green, healthy grazing system and assume it represents pollution. “It makes you realise that the wrong things are being measured.”
This is why the DESTiny tool not only tracks carbon emissions but also considers other important factors. “DESTiny also measures the things a farmer is doing right so that he can build on them and capture even more carbon. That way, the farmer benefits too, instead of being judged only on emissions.”
Reinecke says the detailed calculations behind the platform give farmers a clear picture of how changes – for example, switching to higher quality feed – affect carbon emissions. The system also measures how much carbon is stored in the farm’s plants and soils (biomass). From this, the farmer receives a net value per hectare, per kilogram of milk produced, and per animal.
“It gives the farmer a clear idea of the next steps he can take to reduce carbon emissions. It also shows how his farm compares with others in the area that are also using the DESTiny tool.”
Reinecke says Milk SA has invited her to speak about the tool at one of its member meetings, and Nestlé has asked her to present it at its farmer information days in October.
Feedback from the industry has been very positive so far, she says, and the fact that the tool is free makes it even more attractive. “The fact that I’m being invited to present it to the industry shows that there is real interest. I think it may still be difficult for some farmers to interpret the results after entering the required information. The answers are there, but farmers will need to work with the tool a little to get the most out of it.”
The more farmers understand the different sources of carbon emissions on their farms – for example, those from digestion – the easier it would become to interpret the results and make meaningful changes.
By entering their farm data, farmers can see how different actions affect their overall performance score, such as improving the quality of feed, increasing pasture production per hectare so more carbon is captured, and switching to solar power.
“Farmers can use the tool to set up scenarios and see how each change would affect their carbon emissions. It also shows the financial implications, so farmers can clearly see what impact the changes will have on their budgets.”
Although some adjustments may require an initial investment, Reinecke says these costs can be recovered over time and eventually improve farm profitability. It should be seen as an investment.
“All of these changes align with the principles of regenerative agriculture. If it’s too expensive to switch the whole farm at once, you can start by changing one thing at a time as your finances allow. Over time, you’ll benefit from lower carbon emissions, a smaller environmental footprint and improved economic returns. The key is to focus on what will be best for the farm in the long term.”
Find out more here.
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Awards Highlight Dairy Industry’s Commitment to Progress
The aim of the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards competition, now in its fourth year, is to highlight the dynamic nature of the global dairy industry and its commitment to progress. The winners will be announced at the IDF’s annual World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile, on 21 October.
Laurent Damiens, chief judge of the awards, says this year’s entries reflect the dairy industry’s strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. “As chief judge, I am proud to see how these groundbreaking initiatives – from regenerative agriculture to inclusive community development – are contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future for dairy.”
Laurence Rycken, director-general of the IDF, says innovation not only drives progress but is also essential for the long-term future of dairy. “The IDF Innovation Awards celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of those working hard to feed the world with dairy that is safe, nutritious and sustainably produced.”
