With agriculture contributing about 15 per cent of Australia’s carbon emissions – the fourth-highest of any sector – it is not surprising that a whole industry has sprung up focused on innovative ways to reduce them as the country works hard to achieve net-zero by 2050.
The CSIRO and James Cook University conducted the initial tests into the methane-abating properties of asparagopsis a decade ago and discovered that if you supplemented cattle feed with a tiny amount , the bioactive compounds in the seaweed could reduce methane emissions from cattle by up to 98 per cent.has spearheaded the development of asparagopsis as a commercial feedlot supplement in the form of lick blocks, pellets and other products.
Despite these successes, less than 1 per cent of Australia’s livestock population is being fed asparagopsis.Elsom says a more widespread adoption will likely require the type of government incentive being offered in the Netherlands where farmers are paid a premium for their product if they reduce emissions.
“The next step, build awareness and getting more products into the market, in partnership with brands and retailers. We are also working with supply chains to implement solutions,” says Elsom. Albury-based AgriProve claims to be the fastest-growing developer of soil carbon projects in Australia with about 550 projects totalling more than 160,000 hectares.
One of its most successful projects is the McLachlan carbon project at Rocking Chair Farm at Marshdale near Dungog. The NSW farm’s operation includes 90 breeding Angus cows and calves, 30 Australian White ewes and lambs, and a growing pastured egg enterprise incorporating 120 birds in a mobile coop. “We’re also digitising all our soil samples, so we can create a digital fingerprint of soil properties,” says Warnken.
From a livestock management perspective, QIC is looking to alter the length and intensification of grazing, which will be supported through investment in infrastructure such as fencing and water. By reducing the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers – a key source of nitrous oxide emissions on farms and an inhibitor to soil absorbing nutrients – Kilter Rural can also apply less lime or gypsum, which is another significant source of emissions.