Agricultural Economics, Department of
Cornhusker Economics
Expected Carbon Intensity (CI) of Co-products Fed to Beef Cattle in Nebraska
Date of this Version
10-29-2025
Document Type
Newsletter Issue
Citation
Cornhusker Economics (October 29, 2025)
Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Nebraska beef producers may in the future want to reduce their beef carbon footprint by using feedstuffs with lower carbon intensities (CIs). In a previous article (Perrin, et al, 2025) we reported the likely CI of corn and soybeans produced in Nebraska. Here we extend those results to report the likely CI of DGS and SBM feedstuffs. Beef producers can use this information as they consider lowering the carbon footprint of beef they produce.
The overall expected CI of DGS in Nebraska we found to be 0.23 or 0.20 for WDGS, 0.28 or 0.25 for MDGS and 0.33 or 0.31 for DDGS, depending on whether the IFSM or the GREET model is used. We found the overall expected CI of SBM in Nebraska to be 0.36 or 0.38, depending on whether the IFSM or the GREET model is used.
The results emphasize the variations in the CI of these co-products due to factors such as region, irrigation, and processing methods. This variation indicates that beef producers may be able to lower the CI of beef by selecting co-products with lower CI. These findings support evidence-based decision-making for sustainable livestock management and highlight the need for continued research into the CI of feed co-products, regional farming practices, and more efficient feed production methods.