FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool (ST)

Transcription

1 June 2014 FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool (ST) User Guide Version Australian Farm Institute ISBN (Web) Australia s Independent Farm Policy Research Institute

2 Australian Farm Institute June 2014 This publication is protected by copyright laws. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the publisher: Australian Farm Institute Limited Suite 73, 61 Marlborough Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 AUSTRALIA ABN T: F: E: info@farminstitute.org.au W: All rights reserved The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of the Australian Farm Institute or the Institute s members or corporate sponsors or the Australian Government. Disclaimer The material in this Report is provided for information only. At the time of publication, information provided is considered to be true and correct. Changes in circumstances after publication may impact on the accuracy of this information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Australian Farm Institute disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, expense and/costs incurred by any person arising from the use of information contained in this Report. Contributors Patrick Madden Australian Farm Institute Publication Data June 2104, FarmGAS Financial Tool User Guide (Version 3.0), Australian Farm Institute, Surry Hills, Australia. ISBN (Web) Design and Production: Australian Farm Institute

3 FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool (ST) User Guide This project was supported by funding from the Australian Government. Version 3.0

4 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Background Interpreting emission results Getting Started Login to FarmGAS Calculator ST Forgotten password Data entry Homepage Model Farms Financial Tool Accessing enterprise calculators Saving entries and changes Side-bar links Scenario time period Enterprise Emission Summary Reports The Fudge-Factor Enterprise greenhouse gas emission calculators Setup Beef-Breeding Beef-stores Sheep Feedlot Piggery Crops (broadacre) Horticulture crops Pastures Savanna Trees Emission Factors (global settings) Gross Margins Whole Farm Reports Emission Summaries Financials Summary Scenario Comparison Report Managing Scenarios and Reports data Scenario analysis Report data files Emission factors and FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations Compliance with the National Methodology... 77

5 1. Introduction FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide This Guide provides an outline of the FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool (ST) and instructions on how it can be used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from individual enterprises and the farm as a whole. FarmGAS Calculator ST estimates greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural enterprises and whole farms. The FarmGAS Calculator ST enables the User to investigate greenhouse gas abatement options through modifications of emission calculations and what if scenarios. The User may also revise the emissions calculations to more closely match their own livestock, crop and pasture systems, and, where appropriate, the underlying emission factors. Key features of the FarmGAS Calculator ST include: Modifiable Model Farms that have been preloaded for User s to select, copy, modify and save. The Model Farms are also an important learning tool for New Users to walk through the FarmGAS Calculator ST input and reporting functions. A Financial Tool is linked to farm information and emissions estimates stored in the FarmGAS Calculator ST. The Financial Tool has been developed to enhance a User s decision making process by generating project comparisons which provide estimates for both emissions output and investment potential. A detailed description of the Financial Tool is discussed in the document entitled FarmGAS Financial Tool User Guide. A range of enterprise types: Beef production breeding and store enterprise; Sheep production; Broadacre cropping systems up to 15 dryland and/or irrigated crops; Intensive livestock systems Beef Feedlot and Piggery; Horticulture up to 15 crops; Tree lots multiple (6) tree lots with estimates of potential carbon dioxide sequestration. Pastures and Savanna estimates for burning are generally aligned with Australian Government reporting requirements and carbon farm project methodologies. Fuel loads for emissions from Pasture burning can also be adjusted and Savanna Grasslands and Savanna Woodlands can be entered separately. Multiple farms/ scenarios can be set up, saved and compared. Farms/ scenarios can also be copied, making scenario comparisons easy, and deleted when no longer required. Results can be printed and saved to CSV fil es. These options enhance the viewing of results and enable Scenario Tool results to be saved and used for additional analyses. Enterprise Gross Margins provide cash flow modelling estimates for enterprises and whole farm scenarios. The FarmGAS Calculator ST Version 1 and 2 was developed with funding from Meat and Livestock Australia and the Australian Government under its Climate Change Research Program. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 3 of 77

6 The FarmGAS Calculator ST Version 3, which includes upgrades to existing functions, modifiable model farm examples and linkages to the Financial Tool, was developed with funding support from the Australian Government. 2. Background The calculations in the FarmGAS Calculator ST are based on the internationally accepted accounting method used by the Department of the Environment (DotE) to estimate Australia s emissions from the agricultural sector. The latest National Greenhouse Gas Inventory report ( NGGI ) can be found on the Department s website The NGGI uses a range of production and emission factors coupled with industry data to calculate emissions from the agricultural sector. Industry data are obtained from a variety of sources. Livestock numbers, crop and wool production are sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS) census/ survey data, ABARES and industry. Numbers of feedlot cattle are sourced from the Australian Lot Feeders Association and milk production statistics from Dairy Australia. The areas of savanna burnt are largely based on a time series of satellite images processed by WA Department of Land Information. Additional information on animal liveweights, liveweight gains, pasture digestibility, savanna fuel loads, combustion rates and other agricultural production factors are based on reviews of published data and expert assessments. The NGGI is designed to be applied at the National scale. FarmGAS Calculator ST has been designed to replicate the national calculations but at the farm level. The NGGI method underlying FarmGAS Calculator ST has therefore been modified to better reflect farm scale operations. For example, the NGGI assumes at the national/state scale 23.77% of synthetic fertiliser applied on dryland crops in NSW is nitrogen (which produces emissions of nitrous oxide). National/ State crop production is also used in the NGGI to determine the annual quantity of crop residues (stubble) and the amounts of emissions from their decomposition and/ or burning. The average annual quantity of clean wool produced by an average sheep is also determined in the NGGI from industry data and applied in the emissions calculations at an aggregate level. Consequently, some of the FarmGAS Calculator ST emission calculations have been modified to enable the User to specify the amounts of crop yield and nitrogen fertiliser applied, and select if and how much of their crop residue is burnt. The User also specifies the annual quantity of clean wool production for each of the sheep classes. Emissions estimated from FarmGAS Calculator ST are therefore largely aligned to the National method of calculating emissions but are more specific at the farm level. Figure 1 illustrates where the FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations differ from the NGGI methodology. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 4 of 77

7 Where FarmGAS Scenario Tool inputs vary from the National Methodology CALCULATORS DEFAULT settings REVISED settings Grazing Livestock Beef-breeding Beef-stores Sheep Compliant Compliant except for Wool produced per head. User defines clean wool produced for each class of animal Production Factors which can be revised by the User (All emission factors can be revised by the User) Weight factors: Liveweight Liveweight gain Feed factors: Portion of Cows (2yo+) and Ewes (2yo+) lactating, number of calves/lambs on mothers (affects feed intake and milk produced/consumed) Milk quantities Crude Protein of feed Dry Matter Digestibility of feed Additional Feed Intake (lactating cows and ewes) Feed available (sheep) Intensive Livestock Feedlot (beef only) Compliant Weight: Liveweight Daily weight gain Feed: Days on Feed Daily feed intake Dry matter digestibility of feed Feed components: Diet components & proportions Manure Management: A range of systems can be selected Manure can be spread on pastures/crops Piggery Crops and Horticulture Broadacre crops FarmGAS has NINE classes of pig compared with FOUR classes in NGGI. However, the NGGI factors apply to the extended classes Manure Management Systems (MMS) - User defines portion of manure applied to each MMS Crop yield and quantity of Nitrogen applied are defined by the User Feed: feed intake can be varied Wastes: quantities of Volatile Solids & Nitrogen can be varied Manure Management Systems (MMS) - User defines the portion of manure applied to each MMS Crop yield, Nitrogen applied, quanties of Residual/stubble and portion of crop stubble burnt can be varied by the User Horticulture Nitrogen applied is defined by the User Nitrogen applied can be varied by the User Pastures & Savanna General pastures Nitrogen-fixing (legume) pastures Savanna (Grasslands & Woodland) Trees Nitrogen applied and area of pasture burnt are defined by the User Emissions from Nitrogen-fixing pastures can be included - based on User estimates of residual pasture quantities Provides generic Savanna burning emissions based on 2012 Methodology Nitrogen applied and area of pasture burnt - User defines these quantities Emissions from Nitrogen-fixing pastures can be included - User defines residual pasture quantities User can vary the burning quantities (fuel loads, burning efficiency, carbon-nitrogen ratios) and emission factors (CH 4, N 2 0, CO, NO x and NMVOC) The Scenario Tool includes estimated yearly carbon sequestration (storage) in trees grown in the farm location. The estimates are derived from simulations using the National Carbon Accounting Toolbox (NCAT, 2011). For each region, there is a selection of up to six tree types and two soil types. User cannot adjust the data Only above-ground Carbon is estimated Carbon sequestered in trees and soil is not included in the reported emissions from the Agriculture sector, but is reported under Land Use, Land Use Change & Foresty User can vary the 'Year planted' and 'Current Year'. Trees grow and store carbon at different rates during their life Figure 1: Illustration of where FarmGAS Calculator ST differs from the National Methodology and which variables can be modified by the User. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 5 of 77

8 2.1 Not all production factors are linked Many of the NGGI calculations draw on related production factors, such as animal weight and daily weight gain to calculate an emission estimate. However, when calculations are revised, the FarmGAS Calculator ST will not automatically adjust related factors. For example, if the FarmGAS Calculator ST User changes seasonal weights, the related seasonal weight gains will need to be manually adjusted. 2.2 Greenhouse Gases Of the six greenhouse gases covered by the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol, FarmGAS Calculator ST covers methane and nitrous oxide. Methane and nitrous oxide are the major greenhouse gases originating from agricultural enterprises. Australia s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2013 including net Land use, Land use change and Forestry (LULUCF) emission were million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO 2-e ) and agriculture was the second largest sectoral source of emissions (16.68%). Enteric fermentation (methane) followed by agricultural soils (nitrous oxide) then prescribed burning of savannas and manure management were the largest agricultural sources of emissions. Burning of crop residues, pastures and savanna produce large quantities of carbon dioxide. However, these emissions are not included in the National GHG Inventory as it is assumed that subsequent crops and pasture/ savanna growth will sequester equivalent quantities of carbon. The burning also produces small quantities of other gases (CO, NOx and NMVOCs) and these other gases are included in the relevant FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations and reports. 2.3 Emission Calculators Emission calculators are available for: Broadacre livestock enterprises (beef and sheep) Intensive livestock enterprises (piggery and feedlot) Cropping and horticulture enterprises Pastures and Savannas Emissions associated with the broadacre and intensive livestock enterprises are for animal production (digestion/ consumption, growth etc.) and waste processes only. Emissions associated with pasture production and burning of pastures and savanna are calculated separately from the livestock enterprises. Through the summary reports, a whole farm picture of emissions output estimates can be obtained, however, any allocation of pasture production or savanna burning emissions to individual enterprises, when more than one is included in the scenario, will need to be determined outside of FarmGAS Calculator ST. When manure from the Feedlot and Piggery is spread on pastures and crops, the emissions resulting from the manure applied to the soil are allocated to the pastures/ cropping enterprises, rather than the Feedlot/ Piggery. When analysing Horticulture enterprises, emissions are principally associated with the application of nitrogen in fertiliser. With Cropping enterprises, in addition to nitrogen fertiliser, emissions also arise from stubble decay and stubble burning of residues. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 6 of 77

9 2.4 FarmGAS Calculator ST differs from biophysical models It is important to note that FarmGAS Calculator ST is based on a set of reporting or accounting standards (NGGI methodology) and is not driven by physiology or biophysical factors. Results from FarmGAS Calculator ST may therefore differ from biophysical models such as the SGS Pasture Model and GrassGRO. 2.5 FarmGAS Calculator ST limitations FarmGAS Calculator ST can only be used within the scope of the included enterprises. This means that enterprises such as rice and sugar cane are not included in FarmGAS Calculator ST. Additionally, FarmGAS Calculator ST does not calculate some soil-based emissions such as agricultural liming and the application of organic fertilisers, nor carbon sequestration from activities which affect soil carbon, as the calculations and data input requirements are either too complex, or the emissions are not included in the NGGI methodology for the Agriculture sector. For example, liming and organic fertiliser applications, and soil carbon, are included in the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. The sequestration of carbon in trees is also included in the LULUCF sector, however FarmGAS Calculator ST provides estimates of potential tree carbon sequestration as a guide to the potential for offsetting the farm s total emissions. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 7 of 77

10 3. Interpreting emission results The FarmGAS Calculator ST reports emission estimates as Default and Revised amounts. The Default emissions are calculated using the relevant NGGI production and emission factors. The Revised emissions are calculated using the same equations as the Default, but modified with the User s own data. The Revised options also allow users to further tailor emission calculations to their particular situation. It is important to note, the more tailored an emission calculation, the further the calculation is departing from the National accounting standard. The difference between estimated Default and Revised emissions, is provided at the base of each enterprise Summary page. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 8 of 77

11 4. Getting Started FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide 4.1. Login to FarmGAS Calculator ST The FarmGAS Calculator ST is accessed from the Australian Farm Institute website Important: You must be connected to the Internet to operate FarmGAS Calculator ST Existing User of FarmGAS Calculator ST? Use your existing login details ( address and password) to log in. New User of FarmGAS Calcul ator ST? Register and create an account. Once registered, the address and password you provided will become your ongoing log in details Forgotten password If you forget your password, select forgotten password under the Login box, enter the address you originally registered with and a replacement password will be ed to you. Your details can be updated next time you log into FarmGAS Calculator ST, by using the Change Details link. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 9 of 77

12 4.3. Data entry FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The <Tab> key can assist data entry (numbers and text) in the Scenario Tool. The <Tab> moves from one field to the next. Using <Shift> + <Tab> together moves backwards in the data field selection. To save entered data, click the Submit button at the bottom of each page or use <Enter>. Important: Submit your data often! If you do not save your data after completing each page, your data will be lost Each time data is submitted, the FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations are run. FarmGAS Calculator ST does require internet access therefore calculations that are carried out on your computer may take some time to process, depending on your internet speed. When editing scenarios it is important to re-submit data after making any changes as changes will not automatically be saved Homepage The initial landing page of the FarmGAS Calculator ST is the Homepage. From the Homepage you can: Create a New farm; Copy an existing farm; Load a previously created farm; and Delete a farm that is no longer required See the current scenario being viewed and the dates/ times of when the current scenario was created and last saved. Load a modifiable Model Farm (see Section 4.5 further below) Access the Setup section to; o o o select the farm location (State/ Territory and Region) enter the farm size select farm enterprises Access the Pastures section to; o o o o enter areas and types of pasture (and/ or savanna) enter any nitrogen fertiliser applied to pastures enter details about nitrogen-fixing pastures enter areas of pasture/ savanna burnt each year Choose to use the Financial Tool (see Section 4.6 further below) To create a scenario, select New from Your Scenarios at top-right of the Homepage. You will automatically be transferred to the Setup page Access the Enterprise Emissions and Gross Margins calculators Access the Overheads page. Obtain whole farm Summary Reports on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Financials. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 10 of 77

13 FarmGAS Calculator ST Homepage The Homepage is the central access page to all areas of the FarmGAS Calculator ST. To navigate to between enterprise calculators, and access reports use the Home link. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 11 of 77

14 4.5. Model Farms FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide FarmGAS Calculator ST provides Users with an option to select, copy, modify and save model farms from a drop down list on the side bar of the Homepage. The Model Farm function also provides new Users with an opportunity to review the input requirements, summary reports and scenario modelling processes in FarmGAS Calculator ST without having to start and conduct all the work themselves. There are three Model Farm s preloaded and each Model Farm has three scenarios that involved carbon farming projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is important that you check the location of the Model Farm and change it to your own farm or project s location in the Setup page. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 12 of 77

15 4.6. Financial Tool FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide FarmGAS Calculator ST provides the User with an option to conduct financial modelling, which includes Net Present Value analysis of project comparisons, from a separate decision making platform. Existing Users of FarmGAS Calculator ST or new Users who prefer not to conduct the advanced level of financial modelling can continue to use the Gross Margins and other financial summaries available in the standard FarmGAS Calculator ST. However, for Users wanting to conduct advanced level financial modelling that includes Net Present Value analysis of project comparisons via the Financial Tool, they will need to tick the Financial Tool box in the configuration section of the Homepage. The User Guide for the Financial Tool can be found via the New Users link on the side bar on the Homepage. The Financial Tool also provides modifiable Model Comparisons which will assist New Users review the process and reporting capabilities of the Financial Tool. It is important to note that when choosing to use the Financial Tool, the FarmGAS Calculator ST Gross Margin Calculators and carbon price input fields will be disabled Accessing enterprise calculators The enterprise greenhouse gas calculators are accessed through the Enterprise link on the Homepage. Within each enterprise calculator, data entry fields are accessed through tabs: Details tab entry of key enterprise production data, such as the number of head of livestock, crop type, nitrogen fertiliser applied and areas. Enterprise specific supplementary tabs where emission calculations can be tailored with production factors, such as animal weights, pasture quality, crop stubble management and manure management. Summary page provides the estimated emissions from the enterprise. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 13 of 77

16 To navigate to between enterprise calculators and access whole farm reports use the Home link 4.8. Saving entries and changes For any changes to be saved you must click the Submit button typically located at the bottom of a page or press <Enter>. Your information has been saved when the saved advice appears at the top of the page. Tip: If you load a scenario (a previously saved scenario) you MUST go to the Setup page and click Submit to activate the scenario as the current file. Going to the Setup page will also allow you to check the details of the scenario you wish to load Side-bar links The side bar in the enterprise calculators and gross margins contain links to other FarmGAS Calculator ST guides and downloadable reports. Tip: If you right-click the mouse on the Download a Summary Report and select Open in New Tab you will be able to continue working on your scenario while reviewing the PDF output. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 14 of 77

17 4.10. Scenario time period Emission estimates are generally over a 12-month period. However, this may vary depending on the enterprise selected and how data are entered. For example, in the Beef and sheep (grazing) enterprises, if the number of cattle/ sheep are only entered for six months, then the emissions from the livestock will only be for that period. The Feedlot and Piggery enterprises can be set for short-term periods. Emissions associated with Crops, Horticulture, Pastures/ Savanna and Trees are calculated over a 12 month period only Enterprise Emission Summary Reports Estimated enterprise greenhouse emissions are displayed as Default and Revised under the Summary tab. Livestock emissions are separated into methane from Enteric sources (belching and flatulence) and methane from wastes (manure and urine), and nitrous oxide from wastes. Quantities are shown as: Tonnes of gas (methane/ nitrous oxide) per year Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes (for each gas and total) Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes per hectare Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes per DSE (or SPU in Piggery) Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes per Head Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes per kilograms of beef (in the Feedlot). Crop, Horticulture, Pasture and Savanna emissions are shown as: Tonnes of gas (methane/ nitrous oxide) per year Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes (for each gas and total) Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) tonnes per hectare Default emissions: Calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: Calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 15 of 77

18 Differences between the Default and Revised results, in carbon dioxide equivalents and as a per cent, are provided The Fudge-Factor A fudge factor can be applied to your results, affecting the Revised results, for the livestock enterprises only. The summary will always retain the Default results. The fudge allows the revised result to be adjusted on the basis of some input or activity which is recognised as causing a change in emissions, but cannot be directly included in the production/ emission factors. For example, a new technology, such as a feed supplement may prove to reduce methane emissions by 15 per cent. The User of FarmGAS Calculator ST can use the fudge factor option to adjust the Revised results by this factor. Fudge adjustments can be made to: Methane emissions from enteric processes and livestock waste Direct nitrous oxide emissions from waste sources in intensive agriculture enterprises. Does not apply to broadacre livestock enterprises. Indirect nitrous oxide emissions - that occur as a result of the interaction of nitrogen from animal wastes deposited on (grazing livestock) or applied to (intensive livestock) the soil. Insert fudge factors as a negative number e.g. -15% change in direct methane emissions. Note: only enter the value and not the % suffix. Important: If the calculations have already been modified using the production tabs or emission factors link, applying a fudge factor will make a subsequent adjustment to the tailored results. Turn off the fudge factor, or set the fudge to zero and the revised results will return to the original amounts. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 16 of 77

19 5. Enterprise greenhouse gas emission calculators 5.1. Setup Enter general farm details. Farm and scenario name [Mandatory]. Location of the farm [Mandatory]. o Use the map to select a State/ Territory and then Region. Calculations use different production and emission factors depending on the farms State/ Territory and region (as defined in the NGGI). Farm enterprises. Selecting (tick boxes) enterprises will make the Greenhouse Gas calculators and Gross Margins available for use, under the Enterprise link on the Homepage. Tip: For Beef cattle and Intensive Livestock, also select the type of enterprise i.e. breeding or stores, beef feedlot or piggery. Value/ price of carbon [Optional]. While farm businesses are not required to pay for their enterprise emissions under Australian Government legislation, inserting a carbon price will provide an estimate the potential cost of farm emissions and potential income from sequestration in trees. It is important to note that if Financial Tool is going to be used, then carbon value/ price does not show Farm Area [Mandatory]. This is the total area of the farm. Areas for each enterprise are entered in the enterprise calculators Tip: Ensure your Farm Area is greater than the sum of your proposed enterprise areas. Dryland / Irrigated pasture details. o Area (ha) o Portions (%) of these pastures that are legumes; o Area of pastures burnt during the scenario year; o Quantities of nitrogen fertiliser applied to these pastures during the scenario year. o Select whether you wish to include emissions from legume pastures. Savanna details (applicable for farms where savanna woodlands and grasslands exist). o Savanna grasslands area burnt during the scenario year. o Savanna woodlands area burnt during the scenario year woodland species (e.g. Eucalypt, Melaluca, Shrub) burn season (annual, early, late) portions of woodland fuel class (e.g. fine, medium) severity of the burning (low, moderate, high) years since the woodland was last burnt. Savanna burning produces additional methane and nitrous oxide emissions Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 17 of 77

20 Setup page use the map to select region in which farm is located. Note: Click on xclose to exit from the maps Pastures the % legume in pastures is only used in emission calculations if you select Yes to the option: Do you want to include estimated emissions from legume-based (i.e. Nitrogenfixing) Pastures? If you do not want to include emissions from legume pasture in the results, pasture areas, Dryland and/ or Irrigated with Legume, can be entered and the %legume entered as zero. Savanna burning FarmGAS Calculator ST requires the areas of grasslands and woodlands and the corresponding areas burnt in the Savanna section at the base of the Pastures page. For savanna woodlands, additional inputs and selections are required for the type of trees; the burning season; the portion of savanna fuel class; and the severity of burn for each fuel class. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 18 of 77

21 5.2. Beef-Breeding Default emissions FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide Mandatory information to obtain a Default emission result is: enterprise name grazing area (ha) number of head in each class in each month number of lactating cows. A. Herd Details Starting month the first month of the simulation. Different start months may be selected to suit the enterprise scenario being modelled, and all related headings and calculations will adjust accordingly, including any part-season calculations. Emission calculations are carried out for a 12 month period however if total animals in the herd are only entered for six months (for example), then the calculated emissions will only apply for that period. Number of head Enter the number of each class of cattle in each month. Lactation (milk production) increases the amount of feed consumed. Milk production and consumption (by the calf) affects the amount of nitrogen retained by the cow and affect the volume of greenhouse gas produced. Note that the numbers of lactating cows must be included in the Numbers on Hand Cows 2 years & older (above). e.g. if you have 395 cows (2 years & older) in March and 180 of these have calves at foot, then the 180 entered as lactating cows in March are part of the total 395 number of cows 2 years & older in March (above). Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 19 of 77

22 When data is submitted (saved), a detailed list of the emissions by emission type and on a per head, per hectare and per DSE (dry sheep equivalent) basis is displayed in the Summary tab. Tip: For a quick estimate of total Default and Revised carbon dioxide equivalents after data has been submitted, refer to the table at the top of the Herd Details tab. Revising emission calculations Beef Breeding Enterprise production factors that can be revised in the Progeny, Liveweight and Feed tabs are: weaning and lactation, animal weight and weight gain, pasture feed and energy intake: Revising production factors requires a good knowledge of the animal production system. A. Progeny - Weaning and Lactation. The Default FarmGAS Calculator ST uses the NGGI values for the proportion of cows lactating and milk consumption by season. Select Yes to use your own numbers of cows lactating per month. The calculator will then use the monthly number of Cows lactating compared with the monthly number of Cows 2 years & older, both in the Herd Details page to calculate the Revised % of cows lactating Seasonal quantities of milk produced/ consumed (in kgs/head/day) should be manually adjusted. Note: the initial Revised seasonal quantities of milk consumed may be different from the Default so should be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. If unsure, enter the same value as the adjacent Default amount. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 20 of 77

23 If seasonal lactation values are revised, check whether the Additional Feed Intake for Milk Production values are appropriate in the Feed tab. The calculator will not automatically revise the additional feed intake. B. Weights If Yes is selected, Liveweight and Liveweight gain fields will expand to allow entry of seasonal values for each class of cattle. C. Feed Factors Feed factors (Dry Matter Digestibility, Crude Protein, Additional Feed Intake) relate to the feed quality of pasture and the additional feed intake required during lactation.. Tip: Feed factors can be revised for the entire herd or for individual class of stock Other variables that can be revised are: Gross Energy Intake of the feed ( GEI). The NGGI Default factor for all classes of Beef Cattle for all seasons is 18.4 MJ/Kg dry matter feed consumed. Intake Relative to Mai ntenance. The ratio of the quantity of feed consumed relative to that required for the animal s maintenance. Percentage of GEI yielded as methane. This value is based on the Dry Matter Digestibility of the feed and the animal s Intake Relative to Maintenance. Revising these variables requires a good understanding of the underlying calculations and the potential effects on emission results. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 21 of 77

24 Summary tab IMPORTANT The above adjustments only affect Greenhouse Gas estimates for the 'temperate' regions. Different NGGI calculations are used for 'tropical' regions (i.e. Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia). The Summary tab contains the results of the greenhouse gas calculations for the enterprise. Results are provided as Default and Revised calculations, as totals and on relevant enterprise production levels, such as per head, per hectare, per DSE. If no revisions have been made to the production or emission factors, then the results for Default and Revised will be the same. Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 22 of 77

25 5.3. Beef-stores FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The Beef-stores enterprise uses the same greenhouse gas calculations as the Beef-breeding enterprise, except factors relating to lactation are not included. Beef Cattle classes are restricted to Steers and Heifers that are: 12 months or older or less than 12 months old Default emissions Mandatory requirements for a Default emission result are; Enterprise name the grazing area (ha) the selection of at least one mob; the number of head in each class in each month. Starting month the first month of the simulation. Different start months may be selected to suit the enterprise scenario, and all related headings and calculations adjust accordingly, including any part-season calculations. Emission calculations are carried out for a 12 month period however if total animals in the mob are only entered for six months (for example), then the calculated emissions will only apply for that period. Number of head Enter the number of each class of cattle in each month. Additional mobs can be added by selecting Add Mob ; selecting the type/ class of cattle and entering the number of cattle in each month. Mobs can also be deleted. When data entry is complete and submitted (saved), the estimated tonnes of emissions will be displayed. A detailed list of the emissions by emission type and per head, per hectare and per DSE basis is displayed in the Summary tab. Tip: For a quick estimate of total Default and Revised carbon dioxide equivalents after data has been submitted, refer to the table at the top of the Herd Details tab. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 23 of 77

26 Revising emission calculations Enterprise production factors that can be revised in the Liveweight and Feed tabs are: animal weight and weight gain, pasture feed and energy intake. Revising production factors requires a good knowledge of the animal production system. A. Liveweight. If Yes is, Liveweight and Liveweight gain data fields will expand to allow entry of seasonal values for each class of cattle. B. Feed Factors. Feed factors (Dry Matter Digestibility, Crude Protein) relate to the feed quality of pasture in each season. For most options values can be entered for all classes of cattle or on an individual class basis. Tip: Most feed factors can be revised for the entire herd or for individual class of stock Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 24 of 77

27 Other variables that can be revised are: Gross Energy Intake of the feed ( GEI). The NGGI Default factor for all classes of Beef Cattle for all seasons is 18.4 MJ/Kg dry matter feed consumed. Intake Relative to Mai ntenance. The ratio of the quantity of feed consumed relative to that required for the animal s maintenance. Percentage of GEI yielded as methane. This value is based on the Dry Matter Digestibility of the feed and the animal s Intake Relative to Maintenance. Revising these variables requires a good understanding of the underlying calculations and the potential effects on emission results. Summary tab IMPORTANT The above adjustments only affect Greenhouse Gas estimates for the 'temperate' regions. Different NGGI calculations are used for 'tropical' regions (i.e. Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia). The Summary tab contains the results of the greenhouse gas calculations for the enterprise. Results are provided as Default and Revised calculations, as totals and on relevant enterprise production levels, such as per head, per hectare, per DSE. If no revisions have been made to the production or emission factors, then the results for Default and Revised will be the same. Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 25 of 77

28 5.4. Sheep Note: the Sheep enterprise is NOT available for Northern Territory regions Default emissions Mandatory requirements for a Default emission result are: Enterprise name the grazing area (ha) the number of head in each class in each month the numbers of Ewes lactating if it is a breeding enterprise the number of lambs still on their mother if it is a breeding enterprise. Starting month the first month of the simulation. Emission calculations are carried out for a 12 month period. Different start months may be selected to suit the enterprise scenario, and all related headings and calculations adjust accordingly, including any part-season calculations Number of head Enter the number of each class of sheep in each month. Milk production and consumption Milk production and milk consumption (by the lamb) affect the amount of feed consumed by the ewe, and the amounts of nitrogen in the wastes of ewes and lambs, affecting the volume of emissions produced. NOTE: The numbers of Breeding Ewes lactating and Number of lambs on their mothers entered in this section must also be included in the (above) Numbers on Hand in each month eg. If there are 500 ewes with 600 lambs at foot in March, then the 500 and 600 head must be included in the Numbers on Hand Breeding Ewes and Lambs/ Hoggets to 1 year old entries in March. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 26 of 77

29 Wool production The Sheep enterprise requires the average annual clean wool production for each class of sheep. Tip: Wool quantity can be entered as greasy (with relevant % yield) or as clean (and setting % yield as 100%). When data entry is submitted (saved) the estimated tonnes of total emissions will be displayed. A detailed list of the emissions by emission type and on a per breeding ewe, per hectare and per DSE basis is displayed in the Summary tab. For a quick estimate of total Default and revised carbon dioxide equivalents after data has been submitted, refer to the table at the top of the Flock Details tab. Revising emission calculations Enterprise production factors that can be revised in the Progeny, Liveweight and Feed tabs are: weaning and lactation, animal weight and weight gain, pasture feed and energy intake Revising production factors requires a good knowledge of the animal production system. A. Progeny - Weaning and Lactation. The Default FarmGAS Calculator ST uses the NGGI values for the proportion of ewes lactating and milk production by season. Select Yes to use your own numbers of ewes lactating per month. The calculator will then use the monthly number of Breeding Ewes lactating compared with the monthly number of Breeding Ewes, both entered on the Flock Details page, to calculate.the Revised % of ewes lactating The portion of lambs receiving milk in each season can be manually revised. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 27 of 77

30 Note: the initial Revised seasonal per cent of total lambs receiving milk may be different from the Default so should be reviewed and the Revised percentages adjusted accordingly. If unsure, enter the same value as the adjacent Default amount. If the seasonal lactation values are revised, check whether the Additional Feed Intake for Milk Production values are appropriate in the Feed tab. The calculator will not automatically revise the additional feed intake. B. Liveweights. If Yes is selected, Liveweight and Liveweight gain data fields will expand to allow entry of seasonal values for each class of sheep. C. Feed Factors Feed factors (Dry Matter Digestibility, Crude Protein, Feed on Offer) relate to the seasonal quality and quantity of pasture; and the additional feed intake by Ewes during lactation. For most of these options values can be entered for all classes of sheep or on an individual class basis. Tip: Most feed factors can be revised for the entire flock or for individual class of stock Daily Feed Intake (kgs dry matter per head per day) can also be revised. The Default values are calculated from the production factors such as liveweight and feed dry matter digestibility. Daily feed intake indicates the feed consumed by the animal relative to the quality and quantity of feed available. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 28 of 77

31 Warning: Revising daily feed intake values overrides the Default values calculated from the data entered under Flock details. Any new values will be used by FarmGAS Calculator ST in the final calculations for estimating methane and nitrous oxide emissions Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 29 of 77

32 Summary tab The Summary tab contains the results of the greenhouse gas calculations for the enterprise. Results are provided as Default and Revised calculations, as totals and on relevant enterprise production levels, such as per head, per hectare, per DSE. If no revisions have been made to the production or emission factors, then the results for Default and Revised will be the same. Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 30 of 77

33 5.5. Feedlot Two feedlotting options are available: FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide Option1: Continuous Feedlot used for a feedlot operating continuously during the year, with similar sex mobs of a similar type of cattle regularly moving in and out of the feedlot. Option 2: Short-Term Feedlot (or opportunity feedlot) useful for a single mob of a similar type of cattle, feedlotted for a period of less than 12months Feedlot Details The Number of days on Feed (days spent in the feedlot) is the key determinant in calculating the Default Feedlot greenhouse gas emissions. The NGGI describes three categories of Feedlot cattle, and their mean liveweight, liveweight gain and feed intake: Category Time on feed Average per head Liveweight (kgs / head) Liveweight Gain (kgs / day) Feed intake (kgs / day) Domestic Export Jap Ox FarmGAS Calculator ST uses the Average Days on Feed (Continuous option) or Days in the Feedlot (Short-term option) to determine the production values (from the above table) for the Default calculations. For example, if the average days on feed is entered as 180 days, the average liveweight, liveweight gain and feed intake values (Default values) are assumed to be: 490 kgs, 1.5 kgs/head/day and 11.7 kgs/day, respectively. These Default values are displayed adjacent to the relevant data input cell and are used in the Default calculations. The values you enter in the input cells are used in the Revised calculations. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 31 of 77

34 In the Short-Term Feedlot option, the Average starting weight, Average finish weight and Average days on feed are used to produce the Default average liveweight and daily weight gain for the period the animals are in the feedlot. Default emissions Mandatory requirements for a Default emission result are: Feedlot area (ha) Number of head Days on Feed/ in the feedlot Average start and finish liveweight (for short term feedlot) Feed Intake assumptions The feed proportion (%) of grains, grasses, legumes and other concentrates in the feedlot diet and the composition of cellulose, hemicellulose, soluble residue and are displayed in the Feed Intake Assumptions table, and these are used in the Default calculations. Different values can be entered to customise the Revised results. Manure Management System The Default Manure Management System is assumed to be Solid Storage & Drylot, in line with the NGGI Methodology. Choosing a different Manure Management System will result in different Revised emissions from the Feedlot waste. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 32 of 77

35 Revising emissions calculations FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The Revised emission calculations use the User entered values for liveweight, weight gain, feed intake, dry matter digestibility of feed along with any changes made to the feed components and the manure management system(s) selected in the Manure Management tab. A. Manure Management In the Manure Management tab a range of manure management systems can be selected. Solid Storage & Drylot is the Default management system assumed in the NGGI. Up to two separate systems (MMS1 and MMS2) can be selected and manure proportionally allocated between the systems. Manure Spread on pastures & crops If one or both Manure Management Systems is selected as Spread on pastures & crops, FarmGAS Calculator ST assumes that the manure will be applied to soils on the farm. The action of spreading manure on pastures and crops creates additional nitrous oxide emissions from interactions between soil and manure. FarmGAS Calculator ST will calculate these additional emissions and report the results in the Pastures page and/ or the Crops section, and in the whole farm Summary reports. In the example shown, 80% of the Feedlot wastes are allocated to MMS1 (spread on pastures & crops). The remaining 20% may be Solid Storage & Drylot. Of the 80% in MMS 1, 60% is spread on cropping country and 40% is spread on pastures. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 33 of 77

36 Where manure is Spread on pastures & crops, FarmGAS Calculator ST calculates allocated emissions in the following way: 1. Manure is assumed to be initially stored in heaps ( Solid storage & drylot ) and later taken and spread over the fields. The Feedlot greenhouse gas calculations include only the direct emissions (mainly methane) from the manure managed as Solid storage & drylot. These are included as part of the total Feedlot emissions; and 2. the additional soil-related emissions ( direct and indirect ) resulting from the manure being spread on pastures and/ or crops are calculated and then reported in the Pastures section and/ or at the top of the Crops landing page (depending on the proportional allocations described above), but note that these emissions are not included as part of the Feedlot emissions. If required, allocation of the emissions from the spreading of manure to individual livestock/ crop enterprises will need to be determined outside of FarmGAS Calculator ST (the Feedlot data can be saved to a CSV file). Summary The Feedlot Summary tab displays the estimated emissions on a Total basis as well as per head, per kilogram of beef added and per head per day. If no revisions have been made to manure management or emission factors then the results for Default and Revised will be the same. Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 34 of 77

37 5.6. Piggery Default Emissions In the Piggery, the key determinants of greenhouse gas emissions are: the number of animals on hand the quantity of feed (Dry Matter) intake the quantity of wastes (volatile solids); and the amount of nitrogen that is in the wastes. The Default values for average feed intake, and quantity of volatiles solids and nitrogen in the piggery waste stream, for each class of pig, are based on the NGGI values. The quantities have been extended to nine classes of pig from the four classes used in the NGGI. FarmGAS Calculator ST allows up to two manure management systems to be selected for the Piggery, each from the range of systems described in the NGGI. The portion of waste for each class of pig can be allocated to each of the two manure management systems selected. For example, a Piggery has two types of manure systems, Pond/ Lagoon and Daily Spread. Eighty percent of the Lactating Sows and 50% of the Weaners use the Lagoon waste system and the remaining Lactating Sows and Weaners use the Daily Spread system, the portions can be entered under each MMS (Anaerobic Lagoon 80%, Spread on Pastures & Crops 20%) Similarly, if the waste from the Piggery is filtered, with a portion (solids) going to Solid Storage and the remaining going to a Pond/ Lagoon, the portions can be allocated for each class of pig. The proportion of wastes allocated to the MMS is another area where FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations may vary from the NGGI. The NGGI allocates wastes across the various MMS based on State averages (e.g. assumes in NSW that 73% of wastes is ponded/ anaerobic lagoon and 27% is spread on pastures/ crops). The allocations in FarmGAS Calculator ST affect both Default and Revised results equally. The amounts of feed intake, waste volatile solids and nitrogen content can be revised on a per pig class basis. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 35 of 77

38 Revising emission calculations A. Manure management FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The manure management system is typically the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from a piggery. Under the NGGI Methodology, the estimated waste from pigs is apportioned between five different manure management systems (MMS), depending on the State/ Territory. FarmGAS Calculator ST provides the option of allocating waste from each pig class to different manure management systems. Up to two manure management systems can be selected for the farm and for each system the User can select from a drop-list of systems: Anaerobic Lagoon (pond) Liquid/ Slurry Solid Storage & Drylot Spread on pastures & crops Digestor The waste from each pig class can be apportioned between the two management systems. Manure Spread on pastures & crops If one or both Manure Management Systems are selected as Spread on pastures & crops, FarmGAS Calculator ST assumes that the manure will be applied to soils on the farm. The action of spreading manure on pastures and crops creates additional nitrous oxide emissions from interactions between soil and manure. FarmGAS Calculator ST will calculate these additional emissions and report the results in the Pastures page and/ or Crops sections, and in the whole farm Summary reports. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 36 of 77

39 Where manure is Spread on pastures & crops, FarmGAS Calculator ST calculates the emissions in the following way: 1. direct emissions of methane calculated based on the NGGI Spread on Pastures & Crops and included in the total emissions from the Piggery; and 2. the additional soil-related ( direct and indirect ) emissions resulting from the manure being spread on pastures and/ or crops (all nitrous oxide) are similarly calculated and reported in the Pastures section) and/ or at the top of the Crops landing page (depending on the proportional allocations described above), but these emissions are not included as part of the Piggery emissions. Although, the amounts of emissions are shown at the bottom of the Summary page in the Pigs enterprise. If required, allocation of the emissions from the spreading of manure to individual livestock/ crop enterprises will need to be determined outside of FarmGAS Calculator ST (the Piggery data can be saved to a CSV file). Summary Tab The Summary tab displays the estimated emissions from the piggery enterprise on a Total basis as well as per sow, per SPU (standard pig unit) and per hectare. If no revisions have been made to manure management or emission factors the results for Default and Revised will be the same. Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 37 of 77

40 Emissions from the piggery and soils will be displayed at the bottom of the Summary tab, if one or both of the Manure Management Systems has been selected as Spread on pastures & soils. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 38 of 77

41 5.7. Crops (broadacre) FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide Up to 15 individual broadacre crops can be included in a FarmGAS Calculator ST farm scenario. Each new crop enterprise is added from the Crops landing page or The crop landing page is the first page viewed when adding a crop enterprise for the first time or can be accessed via the All crops link from within a crop calculator (selected from side-bar menu). Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 39 of 77

42 Tip: To update or view a pre-entered crop, use <EDIT> Crop Details To set up a crop calculation you will need to enter the following mandatory information: Crop Type: Select from a list of 12 different summer and winter crop types. Nitrogen fixing crops, such as pulses, produce additional nitrous oxide emissions. If all variables were kept the same (area, yield, fertiliser application, etc.), and the User were to change the crop type from Wheat to Pulses, additional emissions would result. Dryland/ Irrigated Irrigation favours denitrification of nitrogen fertiliser, therefore different emission factors are applied to the calculations depending on whether the crop is dryland or irrigated. These factors are: Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) nitrogen fertiliser emission factor. The NGGI assumes 0.3% of the nitrogen applied to dryland crops is emitted into the atmosphere as nitrous oxide, and for irrigated crops this percentage is 2.1%; FracWET. This is the fraction of the crop area where nitrogen applied in fertiliser is expected to leach from the soil and/ or be lost through runoff with heavy rain. FracWET is a proxy value for determining whether a soil will leach with rain or irrigation. In FarmGAS Calculator ST, the Default value for FracWET is derived from the NGGI and varies depending on the State/ Territory location of the farm scenario, and whether the enterprise is dryland or irrigated. The NGGI values are based on the portions (%) of each state where the leaching of nitrogen is expected to occur. The Revised value for FracWET can be set as a value between 0 (soil doesn t leach) and 1 (soil leaches). Crop Area Crop Yield (grain) Enter the area of the crop (ha). Insert actual (or expected) yield of the crop in tonnes per hectare. Crop yield is used to estimate the quantity of stubble (crop residues), and subsequently, the emissions resulting from the decay of the stubble or from the burning of the stubble. The Default quantity of stubble is derived from the estimates provided in the NGGI methodology. If a crop is not harvested, crop residue may be estimated by entering an amount in yield or by adjusting the Quantity of crop residue in the Stubble Management tab. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 40 of 77

43 Nitrogen Fertiliser Application Up to two fertiliser applications can be applied and are entered at the bottom of the Crop Details page. Information required is: fertiliser description (for information only); the quantity of fertiliser (in kilograms/ha) and the per cent of nitrogen in the fertiliser. The key input is kilograms of nitrogen applied. This can be entered as either: o Total kgs of fertiliser and % which is nitrogen OR o Total kgs of nitrogen (ignore other components in the fertiliser) and enter 100% for the Percent of Nitrogen in Fertiliser. The % of crop area where nitrogen/ fertiliser was applied (normally 100%). Note: Only synthetic nitrogen fertiliser applications are required for FarmGAS Calculator ST emissions calculations. The option of two fertiliser applications does not affect the emissions calculations as the total of the nitrogen applied is what is used. The two applications option is only to assist data entry. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 41 of 77

44 Revising the emission calculations A. Stubble Management The quantity of crop stubble and how it is managed has a significant impact on emissions from the crop. In the Stubble Management tab, a number of options are available for adjusting the quantity of stubble and/ or the portion of the crop area (stubble) that is burnt: The amount of stubbl e/ residue (Dry Matter tonnes/ha) can be varied the Default NGGI amount is displayed for the selected crop type. The quantity of stubbl e/ residue removed through baling, silage and/ or grazed by livestock will reduce the amount of crop emissions. Burning of the stubble. Burning stubble will result in methane emissions and a slight reduction in nitrous oxide emissions. The NGGI assumes a portion of crop residues, nationally, are burnt (e.g. 23% of a wheat crop). The sequence of calculations in FarmGAS Calculator ST assumes that baling/ silage of residue will reduce the quantity available for grazing, and either/ both will affect the volume of residue that remains available for any burning. If you revise stubble quantities, and remove (e.g. bale) all of the stubble, then there will be no residues for burning. If required, the FarmGAS Calculator ST crops calculator Revised emissions can be matched with the NGGI by applying the same quantities of stubble removed and portion of crop area burnt. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 42 of 77

45 B. Emission Factors FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The Crop calculator is the only FarmGAS Calculator ST enterprise that enables revision of all emission factors on an individual activity (individual crop) basis. Emission factors are variables used in the emission calculations and are often associated with the behaviour of the greenhouse gas or how the greenhouse gas interacts with soil, water and air. In most cases, the factor is the portion (percentage) emitted as methane or nitrous oxide. In the Crop>Emission Factors tab, two options are available if Yes is selected to change the emission factors. 1. Use the Revised global emission values, which are in the Emission Factors section, accessed from the FarmGAS Calculator ST Homepage; or 2. Enter your own values for the relevant factors applying to the individual crop. Option 1 will apply the global emission factors that you have revised (i.e. changed in the Emission Factors section) to all pasture and crops in a scenario. Option 2 enables crop by crop control over the relevant emission factors. Option 1: Global Revised Emission values Option 2: Enter your own Emission values Shows emission factor values entered through the Emission Factor tab at the homepage Note: If you use the link in the Crop>Emission Factor tab to access the global emission factors, Submit your data first! To return to the Crops calculator, enter via the enterprise tab on the Homepage. Summary tab The Summary tab shows the total Default and Revised emissions (and % difference) for the crop only. Results include the emission quantities by: source from Nitrogen in fertiliser, residue decay and burning; and type the two major emission gas types are methane and nitrous oxide. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 43 of 77

46 Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information To view emissions for all crops, use the All Crops link to return to the Crop landing page or view the Whole Farm Summary report. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 44 of 77

47 Tip: Emissions from cropping enterprises are predominately nitrous oxide. Only when crop residue is burnt does methane arise. If no revisions have been made to stubble management or emission factors, then the results for Default and Revised will be the same. Emissions from intensive livestock wastes spread on Crops& pastures If the farm includes a Feedlot and/ or Piggery enterprise, and either Manure Management System(s) include the spreading of manure on pastures, the estimated emissions that result from the interaction of the manure with crop soils (nitrous oxide) will be displayed at the top of the Crops landing page. Although calculated using the data entered for the piggery or feedlot, these soil-based emissions are not included in the Intensive enterprise emissions but are included with Crop (and/ or pastures) because ultimately the emissions have arisen from interaction with the Crop (and/ or pasture) soil. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 45 of 77

48 5.8. Horticulture crops FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The Horticulture calculator allows up to 15 different crops to be added to each FarmGAS Calculator ST farm scenario. Under the NGGI methodology, the only source of emissions from horticulture crops is from any Nitrogen applied in fertiliser. To add a Horticultural crop, select Add a crop In each crop, there are several mandatory fields: Crop type: select from the drop list: Tree/ Vine; or Vegetable crop. Crop Name: enter a name for the crop Crop area: Crop area should be entered in hectares (ha). Calculations are related to crop area, Yield Type: Yield and Yield Type allow for different quantities in horticulture production. The Yield and Yield Type (cases, kilograms and tonnes) are linked to the Gross Margin associated with the crop. Irrigation: For crop description purposes only. Selection of dryland or irrigated does not affect emissions calculations. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 46 of 77

49 To add another crop, select Add Another Crop from the Horticulture landing page. To access the Horticulture landing page from within a crop select All Crops from the side-bar menu. Tip: To update or view a pre-entered crop, use <EDIT>. Annual Fertiliser Application The quantity of Nitrogen applied to the crop is entered at the bottom of the Crop Details page. The data includes: the description of the fertiliser (for information only); the quantity of fertiliser (in kilograms/ha) and the per cent of nitrogen in the fertiliser. The key item is the kilograms of nitrogen applied and can be entered as either: o Total kgs of fertiliser and % which is nitrogen OR o Total kgs of nitrogen (ignore other components in the fertiliser) and enter 100% for the Percent of Nitrogen in Fertiliser. The Application % of crop area where nitrogen/ fertiliser was applied (normally 100%). Note: Only synthetic nitrogen fertilisers are required for FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 47 of 77

50 Revising Greenhouse Gas calculations A. Emission Factors The key emission factor associated with the nitrogen applied to horticulture crops is the portion of nitrogen that is directly emitted as nitrous oxide and can be modified at the bottom of the crop details tab. Summary The Summary tab provides the Default and Revised results as Total amounts, and on a per Hectare and per Yield Type amount. Default emissions: calculated using the farm relevant NGGI information Revised emissions: calculated using User defined information Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 48 of 77

51 5.9. Pastures FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide Information about dryland and irrigated pastures, including areas of legume-based pasture, nitrogen fertiliser application and whether areas are burnt are entered in the Pastures section, which is accessed from the Homepage. Legume pastures, nitrogen from fertiliser applied to pastures; and emissions from the burning of pastures/ savanna contribute to whole farm emissions. Different emission factors apply to dryland and irrigated pastures. Inclusion of nitrous oxide from legume pastures and savanna burning (where relevant) in the Revised results is optional. Information requirements Information required in the Pasture section are, total areas (hectares) of: Dryland pastures o with legumes (and an estimate of the % of legume plants in the pasture); o without legumes (i.e. other ); Irrigated pastures o with legumes (and an estimate of the % of legume plants in the pasture); o without legumes (i.e. other ); and, for dryland pasture, the per cent of the pasture area burnt during the year. In many situations the farm will have a range of pasture types with paddocks containing mixed amounts of legumes (e.g. lucerne, clovers). The total area of all the pastures on the farm is entered, and a best-guess of the portion of total pasture that is legume will need to be made. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 49 of 77

52 Nitrogen spread on pastures The annual application of nitrogen-based fertiliser on the pasture areas should also be entered. Inputs required are: area (hectares) of pasture on which fertiliser is applied; quantity of fertiliser in kilograms per hectare; and per cent of nitrogen in the fertiliser. Alternatively, the actual amount of nitrogen can be entered, and 100% entered in the Percent (%) of Nitrogen in fertiliser data field. Note: Only synthetic nitrogen fertilisers are required for FarmGAS Calculator ST. Pasture Burning The burning of pasture (as well as burning of crop stubble and savanna) releases greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) and other gases. These other gases are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and non-methane volatile compounds (NMVOCs). These other gases affect the behaviour of methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. Methane, nitrous oxide and NOx are calculated in FarmGAS Calculator ST and reported in the Summary Reports (NOx emissions are included in the nitrous oxide totals). Carbon monoxide and NMVOC emissions are reported in the FarmGAS Calculator ST Scenario Comparison report (at the bottom of the Scenario Comparison report, these emissions are shown as tonnes of the actual gas not carbon dioxide equivalent amounts). Although significant amounts of carbon dioxide are produced during burning, these emissions are not included as the NGGI (nor in FarmGAS Calculator ST) because it is assumed equivalent amounts of carbon dioxide are sequestered by new pasture (and crops/ savanna) growth in the following year. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 50 of 77

53 The pasture burning calculations use the NGGI values for fuel loads (quantity of dry matter per hectare); burning efficiencies; and carbon/ nitrogen quantities in pasture (Temperate Grasslands), and the proportions of greenhouse and related gases released during burning. These values can be revised in the Emission Factors Burning page. The burning factors for savanna can also be revised in this page. Emissions from legume-based pastures FarmGAS Calculator ST can include emissions (nitrous oxide) from legume pastures, if required. The NGGI currently includes annual emissions from nitrogen fixing by pastures, however, this cannot be replicated simply to provide an estimate in FarmGAS Calculator ST. This is because of the considerable variation in the quantity of legume pasture growing during the year, including amounts removed by baling and grazing. To include an estimate of nitrous oxide from pasture legumes in the Revised emissions an estimate of the amount of residual legume pasture i.e. the amount of Dry Matter (in tonnes/ha) that is produced by the legume-based pasture, but not removed by baling/ silage, eaten by livestock and/ or burnt is required. FarmGAS Calculator ST then adjusts the estimate of legume pasture dry matter based on the Percent (%) of legume in the pasture entered in the pasture sections. Studies on Australian legume-based pastures indicate that annual nitrous oxide emissions can range from less than 1.0 kg/ha (mixed native/ legume) to 3.0 kg/ha (lucerne) on dryland pastures ( kgs carbon dioxide equivalents) and as high as kgs (3,100-3,500 kgs carbon dioxide equivalents) on intensive, irrigated lucerne pastures. To obtain annual emission estimates close to the average dryland and irrigated legume pastures, based on 100% legume in the pasture, entered DM tonnes/ha as 0.50 tonnes for dryland pastures (this will equate to 0.20 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents of nitrous oxide) and 8.00 to 9.00 tonnes for irrigated pastures (this will equate to 3.1 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents of nitrous oxide). Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 51 of 77

54 Emissions from the spreading of Intensives wastes on soils If the farm includes a Feedlot and/ or Piggery enterprise, and either Manure Management System(s) include the spreading of manure on pastures, the estimated emissions that result from the interaction of the manure with pasture soils (indirect nitrous oxide) display at the bottom of the Setup page. Although calculated using the data entered for the piggery or feedlot, indirect emissions are not included in the Intensive enterprise emissions but are included with Pasture (and/ or crops) because ultimately the indirect emission have arisen from interaction with the Pastures (and/ or crops) soil. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 52 of 77

55 5.10. Savanna Savanna Burning For farms located in Queensland, Northern Territory or Western Australia additional information on areas and burning of Savanna (grasslands and woodlands) can be entered at the bottom of the Setup page. This enables the inclusion of emissions from the burning of savanna grasslands and savanna woodlands. Different burn factors apply to grasslands and woodlands, so it is important that the areas are entered separately. Note: If the farm is located in a region of Queensland, the Default emissions for areas of savanna woodlands may be zero. This is based on the NGGI assumption that there are very small areas of savanna woodlands in Queensland. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 53 of 77

56 Revising Savanna Calculations The Savanna Grasslands burning calculations use the NGGI values for fuel loads (quantity of dry matter per hectare) and the patchiness, severity and efficiency of the burn. These factors can be revised. Savanna burning calculations can be revised by adjusting Fuel loads, burning efficiencies and carbon/ nitrogen quantities. The Savanna Woodland burning calculations require that you select the woodland type, burning season, portion of fuel class and burn severity, and the years since the woodland was last burnt. These factors can be revised to suit the features of the woodland and the type of burning REVISED entries DEFAULT (required) entries NOTE: Currently, only one savannah woodland can be selected for the farm at one time. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 54 of 77

57 If the fuel class includes Fine there are additional factors required in the Revised entries to complete the fuel load calculations. The Fine fuel load is calculated from the long-term equilibrium fuel load, a decay value and the years since the last burn. Revised fuel loads for Coarse, Heavy and Shrub woodland classes are re-entered alongside this calculated value. The emission factors relating to savanna burning, including the portions of greenhouse and related gases released during burning can also be Emission Factors Burning section (accessed from the FarmGAS Homepage). The burning factors for pastures (Temperate grasslands) can also be revised in this page. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 55 of 77

58 Pastures and Savanna emissions Summary The estimated emissions from pastures are reported in the FarmGAS Output Summary reports, accessed from the Homepage. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 56 of 77

59 5.11. Trees FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The Trees enterprise is included in FarmGAS Calculator ST to provide an estimate of the potential quantity of carbon that might be sequestered (stored) in plots of trees planted on the farm. The Tree data in FarmGAS Calculator ST were obtained from the National Carbon Accounting Toolbox (NCAT): The NCAT is derived from Australia s National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS). Users of the NCAT can estimate changes in emissions resulting from changed land management actions, such as forest establishment and harvesting, soil cultivation, fire management and fertiliser application. The NCAT allows users to develop site and management specific greenhouse gas accounts using the same modelling system and data that the Australian Government uses to develop its national greenhouse gas accounts. Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (2011) Warning: If the scenario State/ Territory and/ or Region are changed, tree information will need to be re-entered. Consequently, if comparing farm scenarios across states and regions, make a copy (in the Homepage) before changing the farm location. Then use the copy for the revised location. To set up a tree plot, select Enterprise > Trees from the Homepage and select Add a Tree lot. Inputs required are: Species of tree Soil type Area of trees Year planted and Present year Select from a drop-list of up to six species, dependent on the farm s location and region. Select from a drop-list of two soil types, dependent on the location and region. area is entered in hectares. the year when the plot of trees was established, and the current year. The Age of the trees is calculated from these years when <Submit> is selected Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 57 of 77

60 Annual maintenance costs and value of carbon stored (Optional) Annual maintenance costs associated with the tree plot can be included. If these costs are to be included in the Whole Farm Financial summary, care should be taken to ensure that costs used are on the same basis as other enterprises. That is, if all other enterprise and overhead income and expenditure amounts are on a cash basis (non-accrual), only the amounts spent on tree maintenance during the same period should be included. However, other financial analyses may involve including an annual amortised amount which includes the cost of establishing the tree plot. Estimates of carbon sequestration A range of information about the estimated quantities of carbon sequestered is displayed at the bottom of the Tree Lot Details page: the amount of carbon grown in the trees (tonnes/ha) during the past 12 month period; the amount of carbon in carbon dioxide equivalent tonnes/ha sequestered during the past 12 month period; the total quantity of carbon dioxide equivalent (tonnes) sequestered by the trees in the whole plot during the past 12 months; and the average yearly addition of carbon (and the carbon dioxide equivalent), in tonnes per hectare and total tonnes for the whole tree plot. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 58 of 77

61 Summary The Trees Summary page contains a summary of: the total farm emissions in carbon dioxide equivalent tonnes (i.e. from all other enterprises) the estimated amount of carbon dioxide equivalent tonnes sequestered by the Tree plot (in the current/ simulation year). an estimate of the value of sequestered carbon using the carbon price entered in the setup page. FarmGAS Calculator ST also calculates the areas of trees that would be required, using the species selected, to offset the estimated farm emissions in the scenario year. The amount of carbon stored in the trees over time is highlighted in the two charts at the bottom of the page. The first chart shows the total amount of carbon stored over time per hectare, and the second (lower) chart shows the annual increments of carbon sequestered. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 59 of 77

62 6. Emission Factors (global settings) There are a range of emission factors that are used in the NGGI Methodology and incorporated into the FarmGAS Calculator ST calculations. These factors are located in the Emission Factors section of the FarmGAS Calculator ST accessed from the Homepage. The Default and Revised factors are used in the Default and Revised calculations, respectively in the enterprise calculators. The exception is the Crops emissions calculator. In the crops calculator, emission factors for individual crops can be elected which will be used in Revised calculations instead of global values. The global emission factors are grouped relating to factors which are used in Livestock, Soils (Cropping/ Pasture) and Burning (Pasture/ Savanna) calculations. Warning: Changes to the global emission factors only affect the Revised emission estimates. Changes should only be made with a good understanding of the NGGI Methodology and related greenhouse gas science. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 60 of 77

63 7. Gross Margins FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide Gross Margin templates are provided for all of the FarmGAS Calculator ST enterprises (except Trees). These are in a format typically provided by State/ Territory departments of agriculture. In some cases, the key production variables (such as enterprise area, crop yield, average number of head in Feedlot, Sow numbers) are linked to the associated enterprise emission calculators. The enterprise emission calculators are mostly set for a (12 month) production period (although the Feedlot and Pigs can be set for shorter periods), and this should be taken into account when developing farm scenarios that combine production, emissions and financial activities. Typical Gross Margin layout The Variable Costs sections of the Gross Margins include an additional input for Emission mitigation inputs and costs which provide for expenditure directly associated with activities designed to reduce emissions. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 61 of 77

64 Each enterprise Gross Margin can be printed (and downloaded as a pdf file) and saved in csv (comma separated value) format. The csv file can subsequently be imported into a spreadsheet for additional analyses. Tip: Use right-click mouse on the Download a Summary Report and select Open in New Tab. This will enable you to continue working on your scenario while reviewing the PDF output. Overhead costs and other income An Overheads worksheet can be accessed from the Homepage, into which farm income and expenditure that has not been included in the gross margins can be added. For example, off-farm contracting earnings, bank interest, farm rates, office expenses, are part of overall farm income and costs, but may not be allocated to a particular gross margin. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 62 of 77

65 The combined enterprise gross margin data are summarised in the Financial reports which can be accessed from the Homepage. 8. Whole Farm Reports FarmGAS Calculator ST contains a number of combined, or whole-farm, summary reports for both emissions and the related financial (gross margin) budgets. These reports are accessed from the Homepage. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 63 of 77

66 8.1. Emission Summaries FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The FarmGAS Output Summary provides the estimated emissions: Farm Snapshot this summary provides Default and Revised emissions by enterprise, including pastures/ savanna. In this report you can add other sources of emissions and carbon sequestration, with different carbon dioxide prices for these other sources. By Enterprise this summary contains groups of livestock and crop/ pasture emissions which can be expanded to view the results by individual enterprise. By Type Default and Revised summaries show each enterprise and the related quantities of emissions that are methane and nitrous oxide. By Source farm emissions are summarised under the major sources of emission, such as livestock-enteric, nitrogen applied in fertiliser, from the burning of crop residues. Tip: A Summary report which includes emissions and gross margins for each enterprise can be downloaded in PDF and CSV format. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 64 of 77

67 Whole Farm Emissions Snapshot Default and Revised emissions, and the per cent difference, are displayed for each enterprise, and the report also includes a comparison chart of Default/ Revised emissions by enterprise. At the base of the report there is the option to include additional sources of emissions and carbon sequestration that are not calculated in FarmGAS Calculator ST, and these can be valued (priced) separately if required. Carbon sequestration by any Trees (included as an enterprise in FarmGAS Calculator ST) is displayed in this section.. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 65 of 77

68 Note: additional emissions or sequestration of carbon as carbon dioxide equivalent, not calculated by FarmGAS Calculator ST, can be added to the Farm Snapshot page. For example, if information is available on potential sequestration of carbon in the farm s soils, amounts can be added for any subsequent scenario analysis. Emissions by Enterprise report This report shows Default and Revised emissions for each enterprise, with the methane and nitrous oxide amounts from key sources (e.g. livestock enteric and wastes, fertiliser, crop and pasture residues). Emissions from all enterprises are shown on a total carbon dioxide equivalent basis and per hectare and the enterprise results can be expanded and contracted for easier viewing. A whole farm summary is provided at the bottom of the report. Carbon sequestrated in the farm treelot (if selected) during the scenario year is also shown, in total carbon dioxide equivalent tonnes, followed by the Net farm emissions. Also shown in this section are other sources of emissions and sequestration that may have been added in the Whole Farm report page. The potential cost of emissions, before and after accounting for other emissions/ sequestration, is also calculated based on the values for carbon entered. In most analyses this value is not needed and the carbon values should be set at $0.00. Important: farm businesses are not required to pay for their emissions under Australian Government legislation. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 66 of 77

69 Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 67 of 77

70 8.2. Financials Summary FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The Financial summary report provides the whole farm income and expenditure, sourced from the enterprise Gross Margins, the Overheads worksheet and the Trees (annual maintenance costs). The output can be expanded on an enterprise basis, and can be downloaded as pdf and csv files Scenario Comparison Report This report provides enterprise emissions and gross margins for the current scenario and up to three other (saved) scenarios. The screen display can be switched between Default and Revised results and the comparison can be printed to PDF (for printing) and exported to CSV data file. The Scenario Comparison requires that you have more than one farm/ scenario previously saved. Note that if additional scenarios (i.e. other farms than the one currently loaded in FarmGAS Calculator ST) are selected and the Scenario Comparison Report runs (click on Submit), the display of the combined results will exist only for the time that you are viewing the on-screen report. Once you return to the Homepage, the multi-scenario selection and results will have to be re-entered if you wish to view the Scenario Comparison again. However, you can print a copy of the Scenario Comparison and/ or save the results to a CSV file. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 68 of 77

71 9. Managing Scenarios and Reports data 9.1. Scenario analysis There are a number of ways in which scenario analyses can be carried out in the FarmGAS Calculator ST: Changing production and emission factors. Production factors, such as the seasonal weights and milk production in livestock; pasture attributes (crude protein and dry matter available); manure management options in the feedlot and piggery; quantities of nitrogen applied to crops and pastures; the management of crop stubble and burning of pastures and savanna can be revised. Production Factor changes are made through the tabs in each of the enterprise calculators. Relevant emission factors used in the emission calculations, such as the per cent of nitrogen emitted as nitrous oxide; the portion of nitrogen that is leached in soils; and the fuel loads associated with burning of pasture and savanna can be revised in the Emission Factors section. The effect of these revisions will be shown as different Default and Revised emission results. For most calculations in FarmGAS Calculator ST, the Default results use the NGGI formulas. Figure 1 shows where FarmGAS Calculator ST Default calculations depart from the NGGI methodology. Revised calculations which use User inputted data are a further step removed from the calculations used in the NGGI methodology, but are arguably more realistic because location specific data are used. Comparing modified enterprise activities ( What if - scenarios). These types of analyses involve setting up a scenario farm/ enterprise, making a copy of the farm, then, in the copy farm, modifying enterprise activities, such as changing the types of livestock and crops; running livestock for shorter periods; altering the manure management systems; and modifying pastures. The whole farm and enterprise outputs from the two farm scenarios can then be compared. The use of Default and/ or Revised results in the outputs is dependent upon whether your scenario involves changes to the underlying production and emission factors. The results from different scenarios can be viewed in detail using the Summary Reports Scenario Comparison report option with up to four scenarios compared. Both Default and Revised results are then displayed, and the results can be printed to a PDF (multiple page) report and to a CSV data file (for further analyses using a spreadsheet program). Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 69 of 77

72 Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 70 of 77

73 9.2. Report data files FarmGAS Calculator Scenario Tool User Guide The FarmGAS Calculator ST contains Reports that can be downloaded. PDF reports - enterprise and whole farm reports that can be printed or saved. Most of the PDF reports will appear in your internet browser and to return to the scenario click on the internet browser <back> button to return to the Scenario web page. Alternatively, when selecting a report, right mouse click and select Open in New Tab. This will allow you to view FarmGAS Calculator ST and the report concurrently (and avoid the risk of inadvertently closing out of the FarmGAS Calculator ST window). Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 71 of 77

74 CSV files The CSV (comma separated files) contain the data from the enterprise or whole farm reports. These files can be saved to your computer and subsequently loaded into a spreadsheet such as Excel. Version 3.0 June 2014 Page 72 of 77