Annual emissions from the 1,300,000 Wisconsin dairy cows being milked warm the earth 4.6 times more than annual emissions from all registered vehicles in the state. This is the case when measuring cumulative effects after ten years.

Wisconsin Dairy Cows warm earth nearly 5x more than cars

So, “Do Wisconsin Dairy Cows Warm the Earth 4X more than Wisconsin Cars?”

Answer: Actually, 4x and then some.

Wisconsin dairies have the same global heating impact as 9,840,000 cars. In other words, if all Wisconsin dairies went plant-based, it’d be like taking all cars off the road, 4.6x time over.

Fortunately, Wisconsin 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.”

AFA lobbies for more options with 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 milking cows 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