Annual emissions from the 1,800,000 dairy cows being milked in California warm the earth as much as annual emissions from 94% of registered vehicles in the state. This is the case when measuring cumulative effects after ten years.

It’s time for California to go Plant-Based

So, “Do California Dairy Cows Warm the Earth as Much as California Cars?”

Answer: Yeah, PRETTY MUCH.

California dairies have the same global heating impact as 1,363,00 cars. In other words if all California dairies went plant-based, it’d be like taking 94% of cars off the road in terms of global warming impact.

Fortunately, California dairy farmers have options

Texas-based Rancher Advocacy Program provides hands-on transition plans and assistance to animal farmers interested in transitioning to plant-based businesses.

According to VegNews, “Vegan brand Miyoko’s Creamery announced its intent to convert a California dairy farm into a research and development facility for plant-based products. Miyoko’s will provide funding, expertise, and a contractual agreement to support the selected farm in transitioning into a facility that produces new and existing Miyoko’s cheese and butter products.”

At-Risk Farmer Legislation

To provide even more options for animal farmers looking to transition, AFA is lobbying for At-Risk Farmer legislation. Modeled after the RAP program, At-Risk Farmer legislation provides funds to qualified non-profits and farms. As soon as farmers realize that bovine dairying is problematic, they can apply for grants to become part of the solution.

AFA lobbies to end animal ag subsidies

and to help animal farmers transition

Ditching Dairy comes with more benefits than simply reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to Switch For Good, going plant-based leads to improved health. Ditching dairy enhances athletic performance, improves digestion, makes breathing easier, and improves cardiovascular health.

“65% of the world’s population is intolerant to cows’ milk, including a staggering 86 percent of people of African descent, 70% of Latinx, and 95% of people of East Asian heritage. What is most shocking is that the government is aware of these figures. Yet it continues to recommend dairy as a food group in its nationally accepted USDA Dietary Guidelines.” –Switch 4 Good