Elephants in the room and have a happy, happy... bubbly... time

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Back on the job! Sorry for absence over the last few weeks although may have caught up with many of you on the old 'social media' - call it 'post conference' exhaustion! Having cleared the first few piles of material however, the sheer weight and interest of what is going on pulls me back again to spread the word. 

Announcing the Website Revolution!

Many moons ago, we dreamed up a megasite - in fact a 'webtropolis' and it is now live! We'll have much more general information for you, as well as many ways of moving forward with your carbon farming and even energy efficiency goals and aspirations. We'll have places where you can let us know what you are thinking, and a place for innovations as well. We'll be working hard over the break to develop it further!

New Training Announced

Yes, we are entering the 'digital age' like never before! We've figured out the technology and we will be holding our very first Webinars in early February - Check back for dates as I'll be beavering away getting the materials ready.

Soil Carbon... on and on and on

Meanwhile, in the face of continued 'discussion' between science and practice on what can be done in soils, Michael has uncovered the 'theory of the outliers' and managed to have a chat to Dr Jeff Baldock about these 'unexplained' results. We've identified with Dr Jeff Baldock of CSIRO that our carbon cockies and indeed the 19 wonderful farmers in the Major General Jeffries program and others could well be the 'outliers'. That is those who have shown that they CAN do more, store more and keep more than is commonly understood.

We hope to put a research project application in around these areas, using the 'Good Doctor Baldock' and our fabulous Carbon Farmers. Stay tuned!

Elephants in the room

1. Is the CFI an 'intensive industry' only space? 

As well known advocates of soil carbon and broadacre farming in the 'carbon farming' space, we pose the question: Is the CFI destined to be for Councils, those who burn savannah and intensive industry only? While I am very grateful for the 'Environmental Plantings' Meth - and this is the first one which can be undertaken by a broadacre farmer - Where is soil carbon and nitrous oxide reduction from altered fertiliser use? 

Nowhere on the Government site can you see what is happening within the bowels of the 'soil carbon working group' or the nitrous oxide side - I have suggested more transparency to the Department, so hopefully it's not a sin to be able to be informed on such things.

2. The mystery of the 'meth'. 

While there are many and various 'Grant Applications' open, of which we are part of a few (stay tuned), and which will result in many great training opportunities, we remain prisoners of the difficulty of 'methodology interpretation'. Have a look at an approved one on the Government site

The problem is, they are highly technical, and difficult to read (Greek, we say!). Without a 'Plain English' version of each, how is a well informed landholder going to be able to decide which one is best for them? No use educating everyone on a process that once it gets to the point of project implementation falters on this difficulty? Let me work on that one!

Conference Wrap-up

Well, did we raise the profile of what farmers can do in this space? Did we deliver it in Plain English, and did we show the step by step guide? Yes we did. Is it still complicated, and long winded and New?Yes it is

This is a 'journey' and a process new to all. Its complex because you are selling information - But consider this - This is the ONLY thing you can sell, where you get to keep the product - Yes, you will keep the carbon you store, for instance, and the benefits of reductions in nitrous oxide! (Thanks to Peter Richardson of Object Consulting for pointing this out). Conference slides are also available at the Conference program page, and included here for your reference:

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Alistair Handley Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Alistair Handley (2344 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Angus Maurice Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Angus Maurice (13965 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Brian Murphy Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Brian Murphy (4593 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Darryl Paulhus Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Darryl Paulhus (3113 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Freddy Sharpe Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Freddy Sharpe (831 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Jennifer Lauber Patterson Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Jennifer Lauber Patterson (1439 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Kellie Waters Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Kellie Waters (1946 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Mary-Anne Wilson Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Mary-Anne Wilson (345 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Mobile Pyrolysis Plant Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Mobile Pyrolysis Plant (6951 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Peter McGee Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Peter McGee (690 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Peter Robertson Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Peter Robertson (633 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Romily Webster Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Romily Webster (1790 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Shane Joyce Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Shane Joyce (15013 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Tony O'Hara Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Tony O'Hara (494 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Virginia Young Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Virginia Young (1918 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Wayne Sharpe Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Wayne Sharpe (1387 KB)

We had a terrific line up of Carbon Cockies and Shane and Shan Joyce were thrilled to take out the top honours.

I'd now like to, of course do the Merry Christmas thing - and wish you a calm, peaceful, time - full of as much sleep, grog, sand and water - or whatever it is you need to rest awhile and recharge the batteries! We'll be back early next year - and we are calling 2013 - THE YEAR OF THE SOIL CARBON METHODOLOGY.

Yours, as ever  - humble carbon servant. I can be reached on 02 6374 0329, or email louisa@carbonfarmersofaustralia.com.au.




Question: Who Said “Soil is Your Future” around 1954? Answer: The Rotary Club of Toowoomba!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012


That's right. Back 58 years ago, it was felt a civic duty to assist farmers to understand how to protect our soils. Soil erosion from overstocking and poor management was already a problem, and it was considered a serious threat. This is amazing.

When did the wisdom disappear?

We 'got religion' 7 years ago we were introduced to the win/win of terrestrial sequestration of carbon; take it out of the air, store it in trees and soils, where it does good - and we have 'polluters' who need to pay to get it out of the air. All equals perfect solution!

For these reasons, and because we also believe that the soils represented our greatest asset, we have believed in the market solution to carbon sequestration.

For these reasons, and because we also believe that the soils represented our greatest asset, we’ve believed in the market solution to carbon sequestration. 

Now, I know there are pros and cons to a 'market based' solution - doesn't it mean that 'crooks' will be involved, and 'they'll make a killing' (I can never seem to find those people, but it's always assumed that someone is making some sort of easy millions) OR is a market the best way to get something done the most efficiently? Clearly the Government believes so. 

Well, call me old fashioned, but I'd rather be part of a well-regulated industry which is respected, protects our lands and resilience, and gains Government support because its worth millions to the economy, than have a 'hand out' mentality, waiting for the next round of Government funding to keep it alive. AND I'm pretty sure most farmers prefer it as well. 

So, this market ain't perfect - let's fix it! So it's got new language - let's learn it and turn it into something we can understand. We've never believed that we (the collective 'we') can't influence this new solution - and I don't think even the Government believes it has all the answers.  By the way, we are on the right side of the political cycle as well - Pollies tend to be more pliable as an election looms!

So, let the dialogue begin! That's why we'll explore the issues - especially the 100 year rule.
  • What happens if we have a 25 year credit, for instance? What are the trade-offs? 
  • What is each side of politics offering the farmers?
  • Did you know you can bank your credits? Save them up for a rainy day, trade when the price is right. If you had a 25 year program of increasing terrestrial carbon - with payments each 3-5 years - could that be part of your succession plan? 
  • What if you were also being paid to improve your fertiliser efficiency, or decrease methane?   There is no reason why not, moving forward.
  • Can compliance be simple? 
  • We'll outline the diversity of answers - including pyrolysis! 
  • Live trade: We'll show you how a trade in a carbon credit takes place, as an Aussie buys Aussie carbon credits


Fancy a free load of compost?

Well, one lucky farmer will walk away with the load - because not only will the Carbon Neutral Truck be parked out the front, it will be loaded up with top quality compost, courtesy of SITA Organics, and there will be a competition to win it!



We have so much breaking news, you'll have to visit the site to see it all! Many other great surprises and prizes. Two weeks to go - get registered now!





Fancy less talk and more action? Enter the 2012 Carbon Farming Gathering!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Just in - Special rate for Conference attendance for Farmers! Click Register Now for more details!

We call our gathering a 'conference' because I can't find a more suitable word - But really, it's a gathering, a demonstration of new technologies, an 'action tank' (which is my version of a 'think tank') an education, a great chance to chinwag with like minded folk, and a real eye-opener. Not to mention a rollicking good time!

This is where you come if you want to not only hear about the Carbon Farming Initiative, but also experience how it works. If you want to understand how it's been set up, and discuss openly why. Where you understand that farmers are now the custodians of an incredibly important on-farm carbon resource, and discover the myriad uses of this very useful resource. I reckon farmers will come to bless the times that made on-farm carbon so bloody trendy!


Man, have we got a great conference lining up. In fact, The Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP, has now agreed to attend and present. We are asking both sides of politics to address the 'road blocks' we are currently experiencing - The 100 years rule, and the paperwork and outline the vision for farmers.

Heard alot about Biochar? Well, at the Carbon Farming Conference you will be able to feel and smell it! As I've said, "waste ain't waste anymore" - and we will demonstrate one way of 'value adding' your on-farm carbon resource. You see, the trouble with biomass plants is that biomass is really heavy. So, here is the solution - the portable char unit.


A market needs buyers and sellers and for a trade to be made between them, right? In an absolute first, at the 2012 conference we bring all three together and we will demonstrate a sale of carbon credits - and Steve Fieldus, our carbon neutral truckie, will be the buyer. Seeing is believing! The Carbon Trade Exchange will be our intermediary.

We love it during the year, when our Carbon Cockies proudly display their awards as they go on to further achievements. There are plenty of times it's good to say "I was the Carbon Cocky of the year", as you apply for further accolades. This year, we've again identified some amazing carbon cocky's who've entered the Carbon Cocky comp. There's still time to enter - It's easy and takes no time at all (well, nearly no time!) - an we do all the hard work for you.



Can you believe I still have more announcements to make - more great things happening. We are gathering up some amazing prizes and give-aways... more of that next time!

As ever, I remain your humble servant. If you have any questions or suggestions for the upcoming Carbon Farming Conference, please contact us - And don't forget to keep up with us on Facebook, TwitterLinkedIn and the blog for the very latest in Carbon Farming news!




Carbon Cocky: The Secret Ingredient for Big Soil Carbon

Monday, September 17, 2012

When you read of farmers increasing the carbon levels in their soils by prodigious amounts you can be forgiven for being sceptical. The conventional view says it can't be done. But it is done - Carbon Cocky Col Seis has seen soil carbon levels increase 200% in ten years. Carbon Cocky Martin Royds has seen his soil carbon levels from less than 3% to as high as 7% in 5 years. These are big numbers. But they are not out of place in the Soils For Life Report: Innovations for Regenerative Landscape Management: Case studies of regenerative land management in practice 

where each case study has a story of increased production or carrying capacity that is typical of major shifts in soil carbon levels. 

There is historical evidence that big numbers are possible. "Sir Paul Edmund Strzelecki collected 41 soil samples around south eastern Australia between 1839 and 1843, average soil organic matter in the top ten most productive farm samples was 20%, with levels of organic matter up to 37.75% – equating to SOC content of 10% to nearly 20%," says the report. Australian soils can carry large amounts of carbon when there is a Carbon Cocky managing them. 

The National Carbon Cocky of the Year Awards will be presented at this year's Carbon Farming Conference (23-24 October, 2012).

The Science on Soil Carbon is NOT in

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The 19 finalists in this year’s Carbon Cocky of the Year Award all have one thing in common: they mix and match a combination of land management practices to enrich their soils. “This could explain why carbon farmers report higher rates of carbon sequestration in their soils than government research agencies that only ever study the effect of a single practice at a time,” says Michael Kiely of awards organiser Carbon Farmers of Australia. 

For example, the winners of the Carbon Cocky of the Year Award, Yass district graziers John and Robyn Ive, combine controlled grazing with water-spreading, strategic tree plantings, and soil additives (such as sewage ash and poultry manure). Braidwood grazier Martin Royds, winner of the Best Practice Award, combines grazing management, pasture cropping, and soil treatments, including Biodynamic preparations, compost teas, and worm juice. Spring Ridge mixed farmer Cam McKellar, winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award, combines direct drill, controlled traffic, fish emulsion, humates and molasses/sugar as a microbial stimulant, as well as composting and cover cropping.

This is the on-farm reality that has yet to be studied and, until it is, we must say that the science of soil carbon is not yet in. When research reports tell us our soils can only accumulate carbon at a tiny amount per year, they are actually saying ‘We can only manage to sequester this much using this one practice’. While the CSIRO has measured soil carbon increases up to 0.3tonne/hectare as the maximum possible, carbon farmers such as pasture cropping pioneer Col Seis from Gulgong have recorded increases of up to 9 tonnes/hectare using the same laboratories for analysis. It is common for skilled carbon farmers to report 2%-3% increases in soil carbon over the past decade, which included the worst drought in living memory.

Carbon Graziers often combine grazing management with pasture cropping and soil amendments. Carbon Croppers combine no-till with mulching and crop rotations, cover crops, composts, and even animals as four-legged composting units. In the 5 years the Awards have been running, a rising trend has been the adoption of on-farm composting or production of worm juice nutrients and the integration of trees in the landscape. The Ives have counted 250,000 new trees on their 250 ha property, with direct production benefits. The Carbon Cocky of the Year Award was judged by experts from the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, plus last year’s winner, and presented at a gala dinner as part of the Carbon Farming Conference, 28-29 September, 2011 in Dubbo NSW.

There was a high level of innovation among the entries: “One finalist composts almond hulls and back-loads his truck with hulls for delivery as a feedstock to a feedlot where he collects manure for his composting operation. Another has invented a process called ‘delving’ which brings clays up into the top horizon of sandy soil for better carbon sequestration,” he says.

The Carbon Cocky of the Year Awards started 5 years ago with the support of the Central West and Lachlan CMAs as a means of encouraging practices that promote soil health. This year the Awards attracted entries from Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria as well as NSW.
Despite the image of innovative farmers lacking the data required by ‘evidence-based science’, the finalists were keen to prove their claims by providing data.

If we could only allow entries featuring grazing and cropping practices that are based on ‘best available science’ we could not hold these awards because science has yet to study the combinations that carbon farmers use. In fact the best available science is being conducted by farmers in the biggest laboratory of them all: in the paddocks of Australia where a practice either works or it doesn’t and the amount on the cheque the farmer receives is the final test result. Word of mouth does the rest.

Most of the practices chosen by carbon farmers are not endorsed by peer-reviewed science. Yet most of the winners of all the ‘farmer of the year’ awards programs use grazing management which is not supported by research.

Read more!

Carbon Cockies - Not Romantic Dreamers

Friday, October 07, 2011

Judging by the winners of the National Carbon Cocky Awards this year, Carbon Cockies are not romantic dreamers but hard-nosed business operators. One winner found that by breeding and feeding cattle to reduce methane emissions, he was able to reduce overheads by bringing stock to market sooner. Another was able to turn a quarter of his property over to biodiversity and timber woodlots without any loss of production. Three will avoid the next spike in fertiliser prices because they set up their own biofertiliser operations on farm.
“Sustainability is not an environmental goal. It is a practical business goal,” says Louisa Kiely of Carbon Farmers of Australia, the organiser of the Awards. “Cooperating with Mother Nature is good business because there can be no economy without an environment that works.”
A profile of the Carbon Farmer is emerging from the winners of the Award in the 5 years it has been conducted as part of the Carbon Farming Conference:

  • Unconventional in their thinking.
  • Curious to find a better way.
  • Open to possibilities.
  • Inventive approach to solving problems.
  • Independent of the opinions of others.
  • Passionate about finding solutions.
  • Concerned about the future.
  • Generous with their time.

The following are the winners of the National Carbon Cocky Awards 2011:
NATIONAL CARBON COCKY OF THE YEAR
WINNER: John & Robyn Ive, “Talaheni”, Yass
SPONSOR: Best Environmental Technologies
PHOTO: The Ives receiving their Award from Darryl Paulus, General Manager of Best Environmental Technologies.

 

John and Robyn Ive run a 250 ha family farm in Murrumbateman, specialising in ultrafine wool production, Angus cattle and farm forestry. John was named Conservation Farmer of the Year in September 2009 by the Conservation Agriculture and No-till Farming Association NSW and won the UN World Environment Day Triple Bottom Line Award 2004. Features of the property management include extensive plantings (250,000 trees) to address salinity, withdrawal of 25% of the property from agriculture, replaced by woodlots and corridors, with a simultaneous increase of biodiversity and no loss of production despite the reduction in operational space. John’s focus is on soil moisture which he has measured for nearly 20 years on his farm, “Talaheni”. Recently he has integrated these results with those predicted from daily estimates over these two decades from ten global climate agencies. He has achieved benefits from adopting procedures for increasing soil carbon over the past 30 years on the family farm where soil carbon has lifted from two per cent to near seven per cent before slipping in 2010. Further he recognises that sequestration can increase rainfall infiltration. With soil moisture a priority, John Ive is targeting ways of reducing run off, improving soil structure and increasing water use efficiency of pastures by encouraging and planting deeper rooting perennial pastures. John was chosen as a Climate Champion as part of the GRDC’s climate change adaptation education and outreach program. Congratulations, John and Robyn.
NATIONAL CARBON COCKY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING BEST PRACTICE
WINNER: Martin Royds,”Jillamatong”, Braidwood
SPONSOR: YLad Living Soils
PHOTO: Martin receiving his Award from Rhonda Daly of Ylad Living Soils.


Martin Royds farms 2900 ha “Jillamatong” near Braidwood NSW. He has incorporated the best ideas from a wide range of sources into his farm plan, including Holistic Management, Biodynamics, and Natural Sequence Farming. He practices Pasture Cropping and produces 90% of his own fertilisers using worm farms, compost heaps, compost teas and biodynamic preparations. Biodiversity plantings along ridges increases fertility and attracts birds and insects while stock process and leave fertility at the top of slopes, attracted there to the shade after feeding on lowland pastures. Leaky weirs in erosion zones spread water to rehydrate flood plains and promote pasture growth. Compost heaps on the slopes leach nutrients down the slope. A mineral trailer allows stock to self select supplements including sea weed, lime calcium, and wattle bark (tannins) to reduce methane. Stock can also self-medicate by browsing medicinal herbs, shrubs and trees. Pastures have more than 80 species of grasses, legumes and forbes. Martin has a multi-level enterprise, featuring fertilisers, truffles, yabbies, fish, beef and timber. He has reversed erosion gulleys to slow water, process nutrients and then spread fertility up the landscape by using stock management, paddock design and tree planting. Congratulations, Martin.
NATIONAL CARBON COCKY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
JOINT WINNER: Cameron McKellar, “Inveraray Downs”, Spring Ridge
SPONSOR: N/C-Quest
PHOTO: Cam McKellar receiving his Award from Daniel Linklater, representing N/C-Quest.

Cameron McKellar conducts a very successful biological farming operation on his 1300 ha property “Inveraray Downs” at Spring Ridge, NSW. Ten years ago he shifted from chemicals to natural fertilisers such as kelp and fish emulsion before introducing his own composting system to avoid fluctuations in prices. Soil organic matter registered 3% in the top 30cm and 2.5% in the 30-60cm profile, up from less than 0.5% in the late ‘80’s. Cam combines dryland and irrigation cropping under no-till cultivation, including slashing of stubble. He also runs a herd of Belted Galloways which are also used to process stubble. A small woodland area is managed for timber and biodiversity. He tests his soils every 6 months. Cam has been an active member of the Carbon Coalition and hosted many delegations on site visits, most notably the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott and former Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery. Congratulations, Cam.
NATIONAL CARBON COCKY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
JOINT WINNER: Charlie Arnott & Dick Richardson, “Hanaminno”, Boorowa
SPONSOR: N/C-Quest
. PHOTO: Charlie Arnott receiving his Award from Daniel Linklater, representing N/C-Quest.

Charlie Arnott & Dick Richardson manage the 2127 ha “Hanaminno”, near Boorowa, NSW. They practice pasture cropping, large scale tree planting, holistic management of stock, pastures, water and soil, use no chemicals or inorganic fertilisers, minimal machinery use, retain ground cover at all times and do not supplementary feed stock. All this results in less diesel being used, carbon sequestration through tree growth and soil organic matter production and effective mineral cycling through strategic grazing management. Environmental outcomes of all management practices determine the direction of the business. They facilitate HM workshops and Biodynamic training workshops and produce BD preparations for others. They won the 2011 Conservation Farmer of the Year for the Lachlan Catchment. Congratulations, Dick and Charlie
NATIONAL CARBON COCKY AWARDS
OUTSTANDING INNOVATION OR INVENTION
WINNER: Bob & Anne Davie, “Bimbadeen”, Phillip Island, VIC
SPONSOR: Principle Focus

Bob & Anne Davie, manage the carbon footprint of their 144 ha at “Bimbadeen”, Phillip Island, VIC by addressing their emissions. Their Angus beef enterprise has become more productive and efficient as a result of the way they manage their stock and their pastures. They have used breeding, feed supplements and pasture management to produce animals that release less methane. Cattle that produce less methane put on weight quickly with less feed. The faster the weight gain, the quicker the Davies can turn the cattle over which means less overheads for each kilo of meat they sell. Cattle provided with fresh grass emit less methane, so the Davies have pasture cropped ryegrass varieties into their perennial pasture which is kept fresh by managed rotational grazing. They sell beef direct to the market under two brands, Enviromeat and Gippsland Natural, using their online presence. Water is a concern and they reduce evaporation from their dams and troughs by covering them with protective silicon film. Biodiversity is encouraged by the planting of 45,000 trees. A framework for sustainability for the business plan is provided by Bimbadeen’s adoption of the environmental Management System AS/NZ ISO 14001 Compliance. Trials have just begun to determine the link between land management and soil carbon. Congratulations, Bob and Anne.
NATIONAL CARBON COCKY AWARDS
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
WINNER: Victoria Royds, “Bedervale”, Braidwood, NSW.
SPONSOR: Seasol Commercial

Victoria Royds took over managing a family property - “Bedervale”, near Braidwood – three years ago and set a comprehensive list of goals, including soil health, biodiversity, productivity, vegetation, water dynamics, etc. She immediately divided the 520 ha property’s 19 paddocks into 32 as part of a plan to bring all paddocks down to 10 ha each. Pasture is grazed until there is a third grazed, a third left and a third litter, with the paddock rested for 10-12 weeks. Her aim is 100% groundcover. Emulating her brother and fellow Award winner Martin, she is establishing compost heaps on slopes so nutrients can leach downhill. Riparian zones have been fenced, with off-stream watering points established and in-stream ‘structures’ repaired which have improved flow and purity. 6000 trees have been planted. 5 monitoring points have been established. Victoria is an active member of Landcare and Natural Sequence Farming. She is currently undergoing training in Holistic Management, Compost Tea, and Prograze Plus. Congratulations, Victoria.

Profiles of the CMA Carbon Cocky Winners will be provided soon...


The Times They Are 'A Changin'

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Like the words of this classic song we are now also heralding a new era. An era where farmers can be Climate Heroes - after all, it is only farmers who have the stewardship of the land that we need to store the carbon in our trees and soil - taking it out of harm’s way, and using it to feed our population, and the future world population.
We have long campaigned for farmers to be able to trade in the carbon markets and be paid fairly for what they grow - and the 2011 Conference and Expo and Carbon Cocky Awards are a culmination of this journey.


Turning the Carbon Farming Initiative into cash flowing in

Trading under the CFI begins in November this year. That is why ‘preparing to trade’ is a central theme of this year’s Carbon Farming Conference. We have secured expert speakers from the global world of carbon trading and the highest levels of the Government. Click here for more.


"We won't abolish Carbon Farming Initiative": Opposition

The Opposition announced that it would not repeal the CFI: “We will not be abolishing the bill,” said Shadow Minister Greg Hunt. Click here for more.


National Farmers' Federation support Carbon Farming Initiative

NFF president Jock Laurie has been a supporter of Carbon Farming since we first briefed him in 2006 when he was with NSW Farmers Association. Click here for more.


Who will be Carbon Cocky of the Year? Call for entries

The search for Australia’s best ‘carbon farmer’ is on as part of the Carbon Cocky of the Year Awards. Click here for more.


Carbon Farmers warned against unsound science

Farmers interested in increasing carbon sequestration in their soils should beware reports coming out of the Soil Carbon Research Program (SCRP) because they mistake conventional farming for ‘carbon farming’. Click here for more.


Carbon Farming Initiative a world first

The Carbon Farming Bill passed by the Australian Senate is the world's first national scheme that regulates the creation and trade of carbon credits from farming and forestry. Click here for more.


Soil Carbon Credits - A methodology soon?

A practical methodology for allowing farmers to be rewarded for storing more carbon in their soils will soon be submitted to the Government’s expert panel for assessment under the Carbon Farming Initiative. The key feature of the methodology is the way it overcomes the oft-quoted barriers to trade in soil carbon credits: additionality, permanence, and measurement. Click here for more.


Carbon Farming Conference, 27 - 29 September, 2011 in Dubbo NSW

Who will be Carbon Cocky of the Year? Call for entries

Monday, August 29, 2011
The search for Australia’s best ‘carbon farmer’ is on as part of the Carbon Cocky of the Year Awards. What started as a competition for farmers in the Central West of NSW five years ago has now gone national to celebrate the passing of the Carbon Farming Initiative legislation which provides incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices. More than 35 carbon farmers have been recognised in the Awards since they started in 2007. “At that time the link between farming and climate change was all negative, focussing on emissions. But the positive contribution agriculture can make by extracting CO2 from the atmosphere was best communicated by celebrating the people who invented carbon farming: carbon farmers,” says Louisa Kiely, organiser of the Awards.

Notable farmer/innovators in the Central West include Col Seis from Gulgong (pasture cropping), Bruce Maynard from Narromine (no-till/no-kill cultivation), and Michael Inwood of Bathurst (electric utility truck). The Awards are being conducted as part of Carbon Farming Week on 27-29 September, 2011 in Dubbo NSW. They are to be presented at the Gala Awards Dinner which is to be staged during the Carbon Farming Conference & Expo.

The theme of the conference is “Preparing farmers to trade”, reflecting the new opportunities to earn carbon credits by on-farm activities including storing carbon in soils and trees, reducing emissions from animals and reducing emissions from fertiliser. The Award is still open for 2011 for conservation graziers and conservation farmers who have innovated their farm management for greater sustainability. Click here for more information about the awards.

High profile sponsors of this year’s awards include Best Environmental Technologies, Ylad Living Soils, and Principle Focus. Organising the Awards and the Conference and Expo is Carbon Farmers of Australia, a not-for-profit company which provides education, information and representation services for carbon farmers. Carbon Farmers of Australia is part of a consortium which has submitted a methodology for soil carbon credits to the Department of Climate Change & Energy Efficiency’s expert panel, the Domestic Offsets Integrity Committee, for approval. Once approved, it will be the only national soil carbon offsets system operating in the world. 

Contact us for more information.

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