Dear friends and colleagues,

In case you missed it, I’m excited to share that the 2026 State of the Science Summit will take place June 16–18 at UC Davis. Planning is already underway for another impactful gathering, and I hope you’ll be able to join us. Stay tuned for more details.

My friends, it has been a busy and energizing few weeks on the road, and I wanted to share a brief update from my recent travels and speaking engagements.

Internationally, I traveled to Estonia to meet with beef breeders who are tackling many of the same challenges we face here—from methane mitigation to soil health and grazing management. I also delivered a keynote presentation in Spain where I have seen progress firsthand. Before Covid, I recommended to the largest Spanish Ag co-op, COVAP, different options to lower their carbon footprint. When I returned two years later, all my recommendations were implemented: an anaerobic digester, a biomass factory, a modern feed center for all member dairies, and massive solar installations. As a result, emissions have shrunk drastically, so much so that they might reach climate neutrality soon. 

Stateside, I was pleased to be asked to give the keynote speech at the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Anaheim—a gathering that brought together producers, researchers, and industry leaders committed to practical, science-driven climate solutions. During my talk, I shared some thoughts on how producers and supply chains can lean on science and innovation to meaningfully reduce methane emissions.

I was equally honored to be asked to speak at a California Farmland Trust luncheon, where farmers, local agricultural leaders and students came together to discuss how we can protect working lands while advancing climate-smart practices and still continue to feed a growing population. It was a great reminder of how invested Californians are in the future of our ag landscapes.

One of the most meaningful stops I had this month was in Illinois, where I was able to visit with a farmer who has shifted from raising pigs to growing grain. He’s using pig manure to restore soil health and has embraced no-till farming to keep the soil strong. Seeing firsthand how farmers integrate climate solutions into their own operations is always inspiring. It fuels my commitment to keep talking about the work farmers and researchers are doing—and to keep building those connections that move the conversation forward. 

And lastly, as we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to thank all of you for your partnership and continued engagement. 

From all of us at the CLEAR Center, we wish you a wonderful and joyful Thanksgiving.

Warm regards,

Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D.

Professor & Air Quality Specialist, UC Davis

Director, CLEAR Center