Talking carbon and climate change on farm

UP2US Landcare played host to Cam Nicholson, director of Nicon Rural Services on July 17 for an informative day-long workshop on carbon and emissions on farm. Cam has worked in pasture agronomy and soils for nearly 40 years and has been involved in many farmer programs for the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Dairy Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, the current Future Drought Fund as well as Landcare. On top of running a 400 hectare beef and sheep farm on the Bellarine Peninsula turning off cattle for the long-fed Japanese market alongside lamb and wool, Cam provides consultancy advice to farmers and lectures on animal and pasture systems at Marcus Oldham College. Taking place at the Delatite Hotel, 30 people were in attendance to hear Cam speak, with the event’s goal to engage local landholders, providing a greater level of awareness and understanding of how carbon emissions targets are likely to affect them in the future. “With government policy and market forces putting pressure on producers and associated supply chains, landholders are becoming more aware of carbon emissions from agricultural production, and how this may affect their business,” said Heather McGregor, Up2Us Landcare Alliance Project officer. Funded through the Australian government’s Future Drought Fund, the Carbon and Climate Change on Farms workshop was organised in response to a growing number of local farmers seeking information and guidance on how they can get ahead in the evolving carbon space. Offering practical approaches to calculate emissions on farm and implement emissions-reducing technologies, the workshop also highlighted opportunities for carbon sequestration through soil management and revegetation. Covering the history of carbon emissions and industry drivers, Cam first delved into the science before discussing the different types of emission calculators and their individual limitations. Highlighting the significance of soil health and understanding soil carbon balance, Cam also talked about how to reduce emissions through changes to ruminant diet, the importance of feed quality, the role livestock genetics plays along with the use of rumen medication. He also emphasised the value of obtaining an emission baseline to prepare for future developments in the field of carbon credits. “Attendees highlighted they found the workshop very informative and enjoyed the open discussion with Cam and valued the chance to ask him questions relative to their own circumstances,” said Heather. “It was great to receive positive feedback from those in attendance and hear about the challenges and opportunities that landholders have within their farm business. “Attendees also appreciated that Cam shared links to practical tools to calculate emissions and highlighted examples of agricultural technologies that can assist producers in managing their livestock and subsequent emissions. “Take home messages to producers include maximising the efficiency of the production system by aiming for high quality feed, focusing on optimising genetics and animal health, and retaining only productive livestock.”

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