News
Feeding Cows Seaweed Could Cut Methane Emissions and Diversify Maine’s Coastal Economy, but Can It Scale?
There are still hurdles to overcome, but growing the seaweed industry in a state known for lobster could be a win for local fishermen, dairy and cattle operations, and the planet.
Story and photos by Matilda Hay
FREEPORT, Maine—In the cold dark of 5 a.m., Kyle Moellar, an apprentice at Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, ushers a herd of cows into the milking parlor. Each waits patiently for her turn to stand, eight at a time, in the milking stalls, her udders dipped in disinfectant before the suction cups are applied. Once milked, Kyle lays a hand on each of their backs and whispers “thank you mama” as he guides them out. Although these cows live a mostly traditional life, they’re also part of a cutting edge experiment with an unusual ingredient—local seaweed.