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Farm Action Plan

How to fill out the Farm Action Plan assessment

V
Written by Veith Beninca
Updated over a month ago

What is an action plan?

An action plan is a customised set of potential measures you can take to reduce your farm’s emissions and improve operational efficiency. Farm action plans are provided in addition to the PDF report immediately after submitting the emissions assessment. Farm action plans are not obligatory: submitting an action plan simply provides feedback to your dairy about measures you would be open to exploring for your farm in the future.

What are the benefits of filling out an action plan?

Farm action plans give you tangible next steps to explore based on the results of your annual emissions data assessment:

  • Improve your operations: Explore measures that can help improve your farm’s resilience and reduce your emission factor

  • Provide obligation-free feedback: Farm Action Plans make it possible to prepare for pragmatic emissions reduction efforts in the supply chain by enabling you to voice what measures are practical for your farm

What measures are available in the measure library?

The diverse, scientifically-proven measures shown in the library cover many areas of your dairy farm, including herd management, feed optimisation, energy efficiency and manure management. The measure library is designed to offer a broad range of potential actions which you can self-select based on the practicality for your farm and the projected benefits. Root’s measure library will grow in scope over time, so that every year you will have new measures to review and select.

What do the benchmarks on standard values shown in my action plan mean?

The benchmarks shown on your action plan compare the data of your farm with the standard performance of similar farms, based on breeds, herd size, and farming methods, within your region or country. Benchmarks show whether your farm is meeting typical standards, giving you insights on what could potentially be improved. Please note: the benchmarks shown are not a benchmark of your performance compared exclusively to the other suppliers of your dairy.

Which measures should I select for my farm?

The measures you select for your farm are completely up to you, because every farm is different. Farm action plans give you the ability to review the suggestions and compare the projected impact with the practicality of the measure for your farm. Some measures offer a higher potential emission reduction impact than others. Speak with your farm consultant at your dairy if you are unsure which measures to select.

Are action plans mandatory?

No, farm action plans are not mandatory (unless otherwise communicated by your dairy). They are a way for you to explore potential improvements based on the the results of your farm’s annual emissions assessment.

What happens if one or more of the suggested measures are not practical or viable for my farm?

If the suggested measures are not practical or viable for your farm, then you do not need to select them. Farm action plans are designed to suggest measures based on the data you provided in the emissions assessment, but measures that reduce emissions and improve efficiency are not always feasible. If the suggested measures don’t work for your farm, explore the measure library to find additional measures that may work better, or speak with your farm consultant at the dairy for advice.

When will I be expected to implement the measures selected in my plan?

Selecting measures and submitting an action plan provides obligation-free feedback to your dairy regarding potential measures you’d be open to exploring in the future. There is no expectation that you implement the measures right away, and there is no time limit. Your farm consultant at the dairy will review your submitted action plan. They may then reach out to you to discuss implementation options.

How can I get support to fill out my action plan?

Contact your farm consultant at your dairy for support to fill out your action plan.

Can I edit my action plan if I’ve already submitted it?

Yes, you can always access and edit your action plan by logging into the platform and selecting the submitted assessment. You’ll be able to access your results PDF, as well as view and edit your action plan.

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