Farmer Kristian Gade adapts to new “Green Denmark” agreement near Bækmarksbro, Denmark

On his farm near Bækmarksbro in western Jutland, farmer Kristian Gade manages 500 cows with brown eyes and wet noses. The farm sits alongside a river, which while picturesque, poses a risk to the water environment. The river carries nitrogen runoff from the fields into Nissum Fjord, an area significantly affected by local agriculture.

Under the new “Green Denmark” agreement, Kristian Gade and many farmers may need to reduce their herds, losing about one in five cows according to a recent analysis. Gade is determined to find solutions to maintain his production and livelihood.

He has identified three key strategies:

1. Reducing Corn and Increasing Beets: Gade currently feeds his cows 25 tons of self-grown fodder daily, predominantly corn silage—but this crop releases significant nitrogen. He is exploring options to incorporate more grass and beets, which are less labor-intensive than they used to be for his farm.

2. Utilizing Manure for Biogas: The manure generated by his cows is collected and sent to a biogas facility. The production of biogas has surged in Denmark since the 1990s, and Gade hopes for the establishment of more large-scale plants to help reduce emissions.

3. Sharing Fields with Peers: Historically, Gade’s land was designed for high food production, but he now faces the need to move fields away from the river, limiting his available space. He envisions collaborating with other farmers to share land for crop rotation, which may include integrating his grass into their cultivation cycles.

These adaptations are crucial as farming practices evolve to address environmental concerns while ensuring farmers can sustain their operations.