TL;DR: Quebec dairy farmer Amy Tolhurst discusses her farm's participation in the Living Lab: Carbon Neutral Milk project, a collaborative research initiative aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of dairy farming. The project focuses on best practices in manure management, air quality, and soil health to help the dairy sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Amy highlights the importance of incremental, well-reasoned change in agriculture and the broader responsibility of farmers as stewards of the land.
Innovating for Sustainability: Amy Tolhurst on Carbon Neutral Dairy Farming
Introduction
In this episode of the FCC Knowledge Podcast, host Emma Stang speaks with Amy Tolhurst, a dairy farmer from Howick, Quebec, about her participation in the Living Lab: Carbon Neutral Milk initiative. This government-supported research project, managed by Nole—a research organization created by Quebec dairy farmers and processors—aims to develop and implement best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the dairy sector.
Key Points and Insights
The History of Tolhurst Farms
Amy shares the history of her family's dairy operation, which began when her father-in-law moved from Montreal to Howick due to urban expansion. Over the years, the farm has grown to include 120 milking cows, 154 kilos of quota, and a mix of crops primarily used for feed.
What is the Living Lab Program?
The Living Lab is a collaborative research project involving 20 farms across Quebec, working to develop and test beneficial management practices (BMPs) to reduce environmental impact. Amy explains how her farm was selected based on factors such as succession planning, proximity to waterways, and existing infrastructure for data collection.
Manure Management and Sustainability Goals
One of Amy’s primary interests in the program is manure management. With limited land for spreading manure, her farm exports it to others but seeks ways to maximize its value. She hopes the program will provide innovative solutions to improve manure utilization and encourage buyers to recognize its benefits.
Air Quality and Worker Health
As a former nurse, Amy is particularly concerned with air quality in barns, especially after witnessing her father-in-law suffer from farmer’s lung. The research includes monitoring air conditions in different types of ventilation systems to improve worker and livestock health.
A Thoughtful Approach to Change
Amy emphasizes the importance of incremental change in agriculture. She and her family prioritize evidence-based, defendable reasons before adopting new practices, ensuring they are both practical and sustainable.
Listen to: Carbon Neutral Milk...Living into Sustainability
Timeline with Timestamps
00:02 – Introduction to FCC Knowledge Podcast with Emma Stang
00:29 – Introduction to Amy Tolhurst and the Living Lab initiative
01:25 – History of Tolhurst Farms
04:02 – How the Living Lab program selects participating farms
05:47 – Amy’s focus on manure management
09:52 – Air quality and its impact on farmer health
12:23 – The farm’s business values and environmental stewardship
16:06 – The broader impact of the Living Lab project on Canadian dairy farming
18:49 – Advice for farmers considering participation in sustainability programs
20:42 – The role of dairy in reducing carbon emissions
23:28 – The need for collaboration and clear communication in agriculture
Notable Quotes
“Whatever's being presented to us as the issue has to come with a defendable reason.” – Amy Tolhurst
“We are comfortable with the way we work, and the result is clearly not a failing score.”
“Farming and feeding our nation are the grassroots of our country.”
“Change can sometimes be painful and difficult, but thoughtful choices enable us to be the example for others.”
Conclusion
Amy Tolhurst and her farm are at the forefront of sustainable dairy practices, leveraging research and collaboration to reduce their environmental impact. By participating in the Living Lab program, Amy hopes to contribute to meaningful, evidence-based improvements that will benefit both farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
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