Property Management Plan

Transcription

1 A. Landholder Our Place 2014 Property Management Plan Prepared by Burnett Catchment Care Association September 2014

2 This Property Management Plan was prepared by the Burnett Catchment Care Association under the Carbon Farming project. The Carbon Farming Project is a joint initiative of Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) and Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA). This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Authors: Veronica Chapman & Katie Muller Information contained in this booklet may only be reproduced subject to the permission and acknowledgement of the source. Further Information: Burnett Catchment Care Association PO Box 8 Monto Qld 4630 P: (07) E: admin@burnettcatchment.org W: Disclaimer This publication is published by Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA). Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in the publication, however BCCA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this publication. Readers should make their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their interests. We acknowledge input for this plan from the following organisations & resources: EDGE Network- Grazing Land Management Planning Module Queensland Primary Industries - Grazing Land Management Land Type Sheets Qld Primary Industries & Fisheries Grazing Land Management workshop series and CSIRO & MLA Sustainable Grazing for a Healthy Burdekin Catchment project - Land Condition Framework Department of Natural Resources and Water - Property Resource Management Planning Guidelines for Landholders 2

3 Contents 1. Property and enterprise details Carbon Farming Land Types Land Condition & assessment Riparian condition Native vegetation Harvesting of native forest Fire as a management tool Improved pasture Weeds Pest animals Other management issues Herd description & management Stock management Grazing Best Management Practices Action planning for maintenance and improvement activities Annual review of property plan Appendix Carbon Note Carbon Note Carbon Note

4 1. Property and enterprise details What is included in this section? Basic property location & contact details for owners Basic business & enterprise description including grazing practices Physical description of the property Historical & background information (eg. previous land use & any easements) People involved in the business & their respective roles Why? Provides an introduction to the property, business & people which is particularly useful if the Property Management Plan is used in discussion with external stakeholders or service providers A property map (or maps) is supplied with the following features marked Current infrastructure Significant natural features Proposed infrastructure Management issues (eg. weeds, pests or erosion) 4

5 2. Carbon Farming What is included in this section? Checklist of some carbon farming practices relevant to grazing systems of the Burnett Mary region Why? Provides an introduction to carbon farming & helps the landholder to understand they are likely to be carbon farming already & they can enhance certain practices that will be beneficial for the environment & their business Also provides an opportunity to discuss whether they may be considering a carbon farming project for the creation of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) 5

6 Carbon farming is farming in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and/or captures and holds carbon in vegetation and soils. It aims to reduce emissions from agricultural production while increasing production and storing (or sequestering ) carbon in the landscape. For more details refer to the Appendix - Sections (Carbon Notes). Carbon Farming practices Practice Currently applied on farm? (Yes / No) Would like to investigate or implement? (Yes / No) For grazing: Maximising ground cover Grazing management to maintain healthy perennial pastures and the highest quality of feed all year round Retaining and maintaining quality native vegetation Enhancing native vegetation planting native vegetation or increase in area by natural regeneration Agroforestry Promote conditions conductive to dung beetles and other invertebrates that recycle nutrients Selection within herd to maximise growth rates and minimise turn-off time Herd management to identify and reduce the number of non-productive animals Others For cropping activities: Stubble retention Cover cropping Low-till or no-till cropping systems Controlled traffic Precision application of fertiliser and timing to suit plant requirements Application of soil conditioners Others 6

7 Climate change policy is under review and is likely to change over time. Hence, it is important to ensure you are working with the most up-to-date information. Latest policy updates and details regarding the Carbon Farming Initiative can be found on the following website - 7

8 3. Land Types Land types are combinations of vegetation and soil types describing a particular suite of land systems that have common vegetation fertility and grass growth characteristics. Full land types descriptions include landform; woody vegetation; pasture composition; suitable sown pastures; introduced weeds; soil characteristics; land use and management recommendations; land use limitations; conservation features and related management; and regional ecosystems. Did you know? Land types are a very useful grazing land management tool to assist you to understand your land capability by providing details about your soils, vegetation, grazing options and recommended management practices. Grazing Landtype Map The grazing landtype map provided is based on landscape-scale data and is provided as a guide to the landtypes that are likely to exist on the property. Due to the scale, these maps will not detect the subtle variations in landtypes that exist at the paddock scale. However, they can be used a general guide to help inform grazing management decisions. The Grazing Landtype descriptions The Grazing Landtype descriptions supplied are specific to your property. In terms of grazing management decisions, take particular note of the Land use limitations Recommended management 8

9 What is included in this section? Property map depicting Grazing Landtypes Relevant Grazing Landtype descriptions (available from the FutureBeef website Why? Helps landholders to understand their soils & vegetation and the inherent capability of their property It may also identify if any specific management practices are needed to ensure land condition is maintained 9

10 4. Land Condition & assessment The assessment of land condition, including soil condition, pasture condition, and overall condition for each of your grazing paddocks allows you to identify key grazing management issues that may wish to be addressed. The condition assessment process below is based on the Land Condition Framework sourced from the Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries Grazing Land Management workshop series and CSIRO & MLA Sustainable Grazing for a Healthy Burdekin Catchment project. Soil Condition The condition of your topsoil is critical for the sustainability of your grazing enterprise. The assessment of your soils condition for the presence of compaction, erosion, tracks, scalding and waterlogging can highlight the impact that your land management practices are having on your soil. Did you know? Soil health is a function of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil physical characteristics ideally, good soil structure that allows unimpeded growth of plant roots and infiltration of water, chemical characteristics ideally, nutrients for plant growth, soil ph suitable for plant growth with no chemical impediments to plant growth biological characteristics - plenty of living organisms, both macro- (eg. earthworms and insects) and micro-invertebrates to help breakdown organic matter and recycle nutrients. Some soil characteristics are inherent while others can be influenced by management factors. Soil health will influence how well your soil responds after rain, the quantity and quality of pasture produced and ultimately animal production. In July 2014, a new Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) methodology was released - Sequestering carbon in soils in grazing systems. Details are available Note: participation in the CFI & associated marketing of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) is voluntary. 10

11 Pasture Condition A healthy pasture means a health grazing enterprise. The presence of desirable grasses and high groundcover percentage will provide palatable and productive grasses for optimal grazing production as well as perennial groundcover to maintain soil condition. In contrast the presence of undesirable species (unpalatable, unproductive and annual) as well as woody weeds indicate that your overall productive capacity will be reduced. Did you know? Desirable species include 3P grasses ie. grasses that are Palatable, Productive and Perennial (Source: Grazing land management sustainable and productive natural resource management, MLA Ltd, 2006, p. 6) Ground cover Ground cover helps to protect the soil, slow water movement and assists water infiltration while contributing to nutrient cycling. Did you know? Grazing management practices that maintain greater than 50% ground cover are recommended to promote soil and pasture health (Source: Stocktake..balancing supply and demand Manual; The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 2004, p. 17) Overall Land Condition Did you know? Land condition is defined as the capacity of land to respond to rain and produce useful forage and is an indication of how well the grazing ecosystem is functioning (Source: Grazing land management sustainable and productive natural resource management, MLA Ltd, 2006, p.4) Regular monitoring can be used to assess land condition of the grazing ecosystem over time and help you to determine if grazing management practices need to be adjusted to improve land condition. Good grazing practices are based on Balancing forage growth and use so that land condition is improved Accurate assessment of pasture quality and quantity Accurate assessment of animal demand for forage Optimising water point distribution and paddock design to encourage even grazing pressure Management of stocking rates 11

12 Signs that grazing management practices may need to be reviewed include A loss of desirable species and replacement by undesirable one forage supply and forage demand being out of balance a declining land condition uneven use of pasture (Source: Grazing land management sustainable and productive natural resource management, MLA Ltd, 2006, pp. 6-7) Healthy pastures can have carbon benefits too long-term, productive pastures maintain soil carbon stores Greenhouse gas emissions per kg of beef produced (emissions intensity) can be reduced by livestock having access to quality pastures year round as this promotes good growth rates and animals can meet market specifications sooner Improving feed quality through the introduction of legumes into pasture may improve feed conversion efficiency What is included in this section? Land condition is discussed & recorded including pasture species, ground cover & soil, pasture & land condition Why? Helps to identify which land management practices are working well in terms of resource condition & productivity plus whether some changes are required to address any particular concerns (eg. pasture run-down; erosion patches; increase in less desirable pasture species) 12

13 5. Riparian condition Did you know? Riparian land is any land that adjoins or directly influences a body of water and ranges from the land immediately along creeks & rivers through to wetlands and river floodplains which interact with the river in times of flood; these areas perform vital functions within the landscape & ecosystem and are fragile in nature; hence they require appropriate management to ensure they remain in good condition What is included in this section? Riparian condition is discussed & recorded (if the property has riparian land) including grazing practices, ground cover & any weed, pest or erosion issues Why? Helps to identify which land management practices are working well and if any changes are required (eg. fencing & provision of off-stream watering points for cattle) 13

14 6. Native vegetation What is included in this section? A Regulated Vegetation Management Map & supporting map from Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines specific to the property is included Why? To help ensure landholders are aware that they may have legal obligations in relation to the management of the native vegetation that exists on their property & refer them to the Department for further information 14

15 In late 2013, the Queensland Government announced some changes to the vegetation management legislation. In Queensland, vegetation management is administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM). BCCA recommends you visit the DNRM website ( or contact your nearest DNRM Business Centre for more information regarding these changes and whether they impact on you. DNRM Business Centres include: Bundaberg Enterprise Street Bundaberg QLD 4670 Phone: Gympie Government Office Building, 27 O Connell Street Gympie QLD 4570 Phone: Dalby Level 3, Ergon Energy Building, 30 Marble Street Dalby QLD 4405 Phone: BCCA has provided you with a Regulated vegetation management map, and the associated Vegetation Management Supporting Map, which show vegetation categories on your property and are used to determine clearing requirements. These maps are available online, free-of-charge at These maps are provided for your reference as a guide only and are subject to change over time. If you are considering any vegetation management activities on your property, the most recent maps and any clarification of legislative requirements should be obtained from DNRM prior to undertaking the activity. If you wish to apply for a Property map of assessable vegetation (PMAV), a clearing permit, native forest practice or if you have any questions regarding the management of native vegetation on your property please contact DNRM for further information. Approved methodologies under the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), which involve planting, protecting and maintaining on-farm vegetation, include - Allowing regeneration of native vegetation Planting permanent vegetation Avoided clearing Avoided harvesting An approved methodology is highly specific and it sets out the way in which a CFI project must be conducted so that it is eligible to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units. For more information visit Initiative/About-the-initiative/Pages/default.aspx Please note: all other conditions associated with conducting a CFI project must be met to ensure it is an eligible project. 15

16 7. Harvesting of native forest What is included in this section? For some grazing businesses in the Burnett Mary region, harvesting of native forest forms a significant part of the income. If this is the case, harvesting practices & plans are discussed & recorded Why? This is done to refer landholders to resources for more information regarding their legal obligations & practices to maximise the value of timber production while ensuring it is a sustainable resource The Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website provides information on the legislation and regulations governing private native forestry plus some resources to assist private forestry managers

17 8. Fire as a management tool What is included in this section? For some grazing businesses in the Burnett Mary region, fire is used as a management tool. It may be used for pasture regeneration, hazard reduction or woody weed control. If fire is a management strategy used on the property then the reason for burning, frequency of burns & conditions under which burning is conducted are discussed & recorded. Why? It is an opportunity to discuss whether the current fire regime is working & if other management options or fire regimes may be more suitable It is also an opportunity to discuss ground cover & soil carbon & the impact fire may have on these 17

18 9. Improved pasture What is included in this section? Where improved pasture already exists or if improved pasture establishment is planned, details are discussed & recorded on a paddock-by-paddock basis. Details include the improved pasture species & any particular management requirements or plans (eg. pasture renovation) Why? Feed quality impacts on the productivity of the herd & good quality pasture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity of the grazing operation & improve soil carbon levels A well-managed, perennial, productive improved pasture can maintain, and under some conditions potentially increase, soil carbon. Improved pastures may be used for specific purposes within a grazing system such as finishing cattle for market, providing quality feed for heifers prior to first joining or for cows following calving. Providing good quality feed under these conditions helps to improve growth rates and calving percentages and therefore has the potential to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per kg of beef produced. 18

19 10. Weeds What is included in this section? Major weed concerns are discussed & recorded including current management practices; some weed species in pastures can be effectively managed through changes to grazing practices while other may require a more intensive management regime or coordination with neighbouring properties; this will depend on the weed species, its location & how well-established it is on the property Why? Healthy, productive pastures form the basis of an efficient & well-functioning grazing enterprise this is good for the business & may contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions intensity It is an opportunity to direct landholders to relevant information & resources & potentially weed management programs or projects being conducted in the area Did you know? The Burnett Mary region has a range of serious environmental and agricultural weeds these include Cat s Claw, Rubbervine, Hymenachne, Parthenium, Lantana, Giant Rats Tail Grass and African Lovegrass. Help reduce the spread of weed seeds through weed hygiene practices such as; restricting access of vehicles to your paddocks unless they have been washed down, using washdown facilities located throughout the region after leaving weed infested areas and keeping cattle in a withholding paddock for 24 hours before letting them out into your weed free paddocks. For information and assistance regarding weed identification and control measures contact your Regional Council Land Protection Officer, the Burnett Mary Regional Group or your local Landcare or Catchment Management group. Effective weed management in pastures contributes to healthy, productive pastures and improved soil health thereby enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of your farm. 19

20 11. Pest animals What is included in this section? Major pest concerns are discussed & recorded including any current management practices Why? Pest animals may reduce productivity through competition or by injuring & killing stock It is an opportunity to direct landholders to relevant information & resources & potentially pest management programs or projects being conducted in the area Did you know? The Burnett Mary region has several pest animal species including feral pigs, wild dogs and rabbits. It is important to understand the life cycle and behaviour of pest animals when formulating a management plan. Due to their mobility, a coordinated plan between neighbours or across a district may be needed for effective control. For information and assistance regarding management options contact your Regional Council Land Protection Officer, the Burnett Mary Regional Group or your local Landcare or Catchment Management group. Pest animals may compete with livestock for food, degrade pasture and/or kill or injure stock, all of which reduce the productivity & efficiency of the grazing system more efficient systems produce less greenhouse gases per kg of meat produced. 20

21 12. Other management issues What is included in this section? Any other natural resource management issue or plans not included previously are recorded here including options to address 21

22 13. Herd description & management What is included in this section? Herd description including stock type, number, breed & preferred selling patterns Grazing management practices including more detail on rotation practices & any specific grazing management practices (eg. certain paddocks for winter feed due to reduced frost risk; paddock for calving heifers close to the house) Dry season / drought strategies Why? Provides a summary of herd & grazing management & an opportunity to identify if any practice change is planned or required 22

23 14. Stock management What is included in this section? Stock production calendar of significant herd management activities (eg. timing of mating, calving, weaning, selling etc.; whether cattle are vaccinated and if preg. testing is routinely performed) This section is particularly relevant for operations running breeding herds; less important for enterprises based on growing out cattle purchased from elsewhere Why? Provides a calendar of events & an opportunity to identify if herd management is optimised Did you know? The animal production achieved is a good indicator of how well the entire grazing system is performing. It reflects the health of the soil, quality of the pasture, grazing management practices applied and the animal and herd management skills used. Therefore, a healthy, productive herd relies on good land condition. A breeding operation that has - controlled mating and subsequently tight calving window, high branding rates, good growth rates, effective pasture monitoring, a herd recording system and management decisions, such as animal selection and marketing, based on these monitoring and recording systems is more likely to turn-off good quality cattle sooner which is good for the business and good for the environment. 23

24 15. Grazing Best Management Practices The Grazing Best Management Practices (Grazing BMP) program is a voluntary, industry-led process which helps graziers to identify improved practices which can help improve the long term profitability of their enterprise. It also helps identify the steps you need to take to incorporate best management practices into your enterprise. Completing the five modules of the Grazing BMP- Animal Health and Welfare; Animal Production; People and Business; Grazing Land Management and Soil Health will enable you to assess your current practices and to identify areas where performance is above industry standard and areas for improvement. (Source: Grazing Best Management Practices (2013) on 27 September 2013) Areas requiring improvement or a change can be incorporated into action planning. 24

25 16. Action planning for maintenance and improvement activities What is included in this section? The whole Property Management Planning process culminates in the development of an action plan including priorities activities to complete Based on the discussions held throughout the property visit, maintenance & improvement activities are recorded under different management areas, including - o Business o Carbon Farming o Property infrastructure o Grazing management o Stock & herd management o Soil management o Weed & pest management Landholders may choose to add the person responsible for the action & when it will be completed Why? Helps to clarify which projects & activities are highest priority for all involved in the business operation 17. Annual review of property plan What is included in this section? Six questions are provided as a resource to help landholders to review their plan - o Are there any items that can be removed from my action plan? o Are there some items I wish to add to my action plan? o What monitoring have I done this year? o Have I used my monitoring data to inform decision-making? o Has my monitoring program identified things I am doing well? o Has my monitoring program identified the need to change some practices? Why? A Property Management Plan is not a static document and is of most use when it is reviewed regularly; this allows achievements to be acknowledged, progress to be monitored & re-planning as projects are completed or conditions change 25

26 18. Appendix What is included in this section? Carbon Note 1 Carbon Note 2 Carbon Note 3 Soil, Pasture and Land Condition assessment tools and descriptions Land condition descriptions Action planning tables for improvement activities Budget planning table for improvement activities Monitoring guide Why? These items provide supplementary information and resources that may be useful to landholders as they implement, and review, their Property Management Plan 26

27 CARBON NOTE 1 INTRODUCTION TO CARBON TERMS The following questions and answers provide a basic introduction to carbon accounting and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission terms and concepts. What are the major greenhouse gases (GHGs) relevant to agricultural industries? There are three main greenhouse gases (GHGs) of importance to agriculture carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ) and nitrous oxide (NO 2 ). Why are greenhouse gases (GHGs) important? Greenhouse gases in the earth s atmosphere play a major role in determining the balance between incoming and outgoing radiation and therefore influence the earth s climate. How are GHGs released into the atmosphere (or emitted) in the agricultural production chain? Some examples of how GHGs are emitted along the agricultural production chain include Carbon dioxide is emitted from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, for electricity and transport Methane is emitted from livestock both from anaerobic, enteric digestion (in the rumen) and the breakdown of manure Nitrous oxide is emitted as losses from the application of N fertilisers Burnett Catchment Care Association PO Box 8 MONTO QLD Carbon Note 1 P: (07) F: (07) E: admin@burnettcatchment.org W:

28 How are GHG levels recorded? For the purposes of carbon accounting, all GHG emissions are converted to tons of CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 e). Methane has a global warming potential 21 times that of CO 2 - hence, 1 ton of CH 4 emitted equates to 21 t CO 2 e. Nitrous oxide has a global warming potential 310 times that of CO 2 - hence, 1 ton of NO 2 emitted equates to 310 t CO 2 e. What is greenhouse gases (GHG) abatement? Greenhouse gas abatement is the reduction, or total avoidance, of GHG emissions or an increase in GHG storage. Examples of abatement include a reduction in CO 2 emissions by using solar energy instead of electricity generated from coal-fired power stations the removal of GHG from the atmosphere through planting of a permanent stand of trees adjusting the type of N fertiliser used to better suit the environment thereby reducing NO 2 losses (as losses from the different forms of N fertiliser vary with environmental conditions). What is carbon sequestration (or carbon storage)? Carbon sequestration refers to the storage of additional carbon in vegetation and soils and is one form of GHG abatement. This requires growing more vegetation or increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil. This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government

29 18.2 Carbon Note 2 CARBON NOTE 2 CARBON FARMING The following questions and answers provide an introduction to the concept of carbon farming and what it may mean for your business. What is carbon farming? Carbon farming is farming in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and/or captures and holds carbon in vegetation and soils. It aims to reduce emissions from agricultural production while increasing production and storing (or sequestering ) carbon in the landscape. Carbon farming can range from a single change in land management, such as adjustments to fertiliser regimes or a change in grazing management practices, to a comprehensive farming plan designed to maximise carbon capture and emissions reduction. On-farm management activities that may contribute to GHG abatement include Maximising groundcover Maintaining healthy perennial pastures Zero-till or low-till farming practices Controlled traffic and precision application of fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals Maintaining or enhancing vegetation on the property Reducing methane production in intensive livestock production systems through genetic selection, methane-reducing supplements and rumen inoculants Source: Carbon Farmers of Australia (2012) What is carbon farming accessed 25 September 2013 How do I know if my management changes are making a difference? Carbon calculators, that will estimate the GHG emissions for your operation based on information you provide, are available for the grazing industry. Using these tools enables you to calculate GHG emissions from your operation and to monitor these over time with any management changes you make. These calculators can be found on the Carbon Farming Extension Providers Portal under the Carbon Farming Extension Toolkit section of the website. Burnett Catchment Care Association PO Box 8 MONTO QLD 4630 P: (07) F: (07) E: admin@burnettcatchment.org W:

30 What is emissions intensity? Emissions intensity refers to the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of production. In a grazing situation, reducing emissions intensity involves implementing practices that minimise the amount of GHG emitted per kg of beef produced. Practices that may reduce emissions intensity of a grazing operation include maximising growth rates to allow earlier turn off times (ie. shorten the lifespan of individual animals for the same amount of production); this may be achieved via improved nutrition, selection of faster growing and better-muscled animals and grazing practices to ensure quality pastures throughout the year minimising unproductive or low-production animals in the herd; appropriate management practices to achieve this (eg. culling of empty cows; maintaining high calving and branding percentages; grazing and marketing strategies to match feed availability) will be facilitated by accurate herd recording and use of this data in decision-making. What are the benefits of carbon farming? Carbon farming activities will help to maintain the profitability and sustainability of your operation as carbon farming principles align well with sound land management and business practices. Hence, you are probably undertaking some carbon farming activities on your property and in your business already (even if you didn t know it!) because it makes good business sense. Benefits of carbon farming to your grazing enterprise include greater productivity through improved: soil health, pasture condition, grazing practices and herd management. Natural resource management outcomes include reduced soil loss, cleaner waterways and habitat for native fauna. This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Additionally, there may be the opportunity to earn additional income from carbon farming through the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI). 30

31 18.3 Carbon Note 3 CARBON NOTE 3 GRAZING SYSTEMS AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS The following questions and answers provide an introduction to greenhouse gas emissions in grazing systems. It also touches on current and potential options to reduce emissions in these systems. What is the impact of the cropping and grazing on Australia s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? In 2009, the land sector (agriculture, land-use change and forestry) made up 18% of Australia s GHG emissions with 15% of Australia s total emissions being from agriculture. There are three main sources of agricultural GHG emissions livestock, cropping and savannah burning. Approximately 70% of agricultural GHG emissions in Australia are from livestock. Livestock emissions are comprised of methane production by enteric fermentation (anaerobic digestion of plant matter by livestock) which accounts for approximately 65% of these emissions. The remainder is methane and nitrous oxide emissions from animal waste. Sources of cropping emissions include nitrous oxide emissions from fertiliser application and methane and nitrous oxide from burning crop residue. Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2012) Carbon Farming Initiative Fact Sheet How do cattle produce methane? Ruminants, which include cows, goats and sheep, produce methane as a by-product of their digestion process. The ruminant stomach with four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. Microbial bacteria found in the rumen, called methanogens, convert feed into a product that can be digested by the animal. This process, enteric fermentation, produces methane which is exhaled by the animal. Source: accessed 30 September 2013 LandLearn NSW website Methane is a powerful GHG with a global warming potential 21 times that of carbon (over a 100-year timeframe). Burnett Catchment Care Association PO Box 8 MONTO QLD 4630 P: (07) F: (07) E: admin@burnettcatchment.org W:

32 Do agricultural production systems store enough greenhouse gases (GHGs) in soil and vegetation to compensate for the GHGs they emit? Grazing and cropping act as both sources and sinks for GHGs as cropping and grazing land can store GHGs where additional carbon is incorporated into plants and soil and maintained through improved land management practices. However, cropping and grazing land are often net emitters of GHGs particularly during dry weather and in drought. Tree-clearing and vegetation disturbance are also sources of GHG emissions. Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (2012) Carbon Farming Initiative Fact Sheet What approved methodologies currently exist under the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) applicable to grazing systems of the Burnett Mary? Under the CFI, projects must be implemented using an approved methodology that is proven to decrease GHG emissions or store more carbon. A methodology is a detailed set of rules about the way in which a project must be implemented and monitored and an approved methodology is required to participate in CFI. Currently, there are few approved methodologies applicable to grazing systems of the Burnett Mary. Approved methodologies for agricultural systems include destruction of methane from dairies and piggeries dietary additives for dairy cattle some vegetation options related to regrowth management, avoided clearing, avoided harvest, tree-planting and changes to savannah burning regimes Sequestering carbon in soils in grazing systems For detailed methodologies visit Will more CFI methodologies applicable to grazing systems of the Burnett Mary become available in the future? This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government The CFI, carbon farming techniques and how to incorporate these into profitable and sustainable farming businesses are emerging fields. New methodologies are currently under review and more are being developed. Research continues into possible GHG reduction strategies for ruminant production systems. New methodologies may emerge as a result. Whether or not you able to (or choose to) participate in the CFI, your business may benefit from the efficiency gains and resource improvement from strategies that reduce GHG emissions and/or sequester more carbon in soil and vegetation. 32

33 What research is being conducted to address methane emissions? Research is being conducted in Australia and around the world investigating ways to reduce methane production from livestock. Areas of research include Increasing productivity and efficiency of the entire herd (such as increasing branding rates and culling unproductive stock) reducing emissions intensity ie. emitting less methane per kg of meat produced Improving the quality of the diet of ruminants to maximise feed conversion efficiency and reduce emissions intensity (eg. incorporation of legumes) Including feed additives (such as some oils and tannins) in the diets of ruminants to improve digestion and reduce methane production Animal genetics breeding animals that produce less methane but remain highly productive Plant genetics breeding pasture plants so that methane production upon digestion is reduced (eg. plants with appropriate metabolisable energy to crude protein ratio; plants that produce certain tannins and oils that improve the efficiency of digestion) Rumen manipulation changing the environment in the rumen to reduce methane production without losing productivity (eg. reduce or eliminate methane-producing bacteria in the rumen). Source: assessed 30 September 2013 This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government While some research results look promising, it may take time to incorporate these into commercial livestock production systems. In the interim, improving the efficiency of your production system via the implementation of best management practices is recommended to improve the viability and sustainability of your grazing business and to address GHG emissions. 33

34 This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government 34