Carrico's Favorite Story of 2025

As the year came to a close, we once again asked the DTN/Progressive Farmer reporting team to pick out the most significant, most fun, or otherwise their favorite, story of 2025. We hope you enjoy our writers' favorites, continuing the series with today's story by DTN Senior Livestock Editor Jennifer Carrico.

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When a research project is so focused on attaining information from a group of organization members, without getting their prior approval, it comes with some pushback. That's exactly what happened when Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) accepted a $4.85 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund and Global Methane Hub to study methane emissions in the cattle industry.

The story "Methane Study Sparks Questions From Angus Breeders," (see https://www.dtnpf.com/…) discusses how the American Angus Association came to receive this funding and how producers felt about the research.

Governmental administrations have looked at climate change differently through the years, but it has certainly been more of a commonly discussed topic in recent years. Carbon credits, reducing methane emissions and other environmental topics have played a part in agricultural discussions.

I probably look at this topic a bit differently than the usual agricultural journalist since I'm an Angus producer and have been involved with the Angus Association for many years. The research I had to do and decisions about who to interview are two of the reasons it is one of my favorite stories. I knew if I had questions, so did other producers. I also knew this was a topic that was somewhat controversial among members, with some agreeing with the concept and others questioning the association's involvement. This is why it was important to interview so many different people who could contribute to the story.

It is easier to understand the importance of the research when talking to a scientist. Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist Jason Warner explained the science side of the research. "Methane production is a natural process as a byproduct of rumen fermentation. We have a lot to learn about it, and if we select cattle based on the results of some of this research is really yet to be seen."

The concern of some Angus breeders is that they didn't get a say in if this is something they want the money they have invested in the Association to be used for. The other question many had concerned where the money came from, questioning the goals of the funding source of the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub. AGI President Kelli Retallick-Riley said AGI will work with other research partners with the research and then share results when the study is complete.

In the end, even with the controversy over where the funds came from and how the funds would be used, the delegates at the annual meeting reelected many of the current American Angus Association leaders. The research will continue and many await the results. It will be a few years before those results are shared but stay tuned for more information in the future.

For more information on the research, visit: https://www.angus.org/….

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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