Evidence clearly demonstrates that climate change is increasing global temperatures, which in turn is affecting the planet, including rainfall events (causing both droughts and floods), and the variability and seasonality of the climate (more storms and heatwaves). As farmers, we can be part of the solution and adapt and develop our farming systems to be more resilient to these changing environmental conditions.
There are significant opportunities for us to find effective solutions to mitigate and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: through the efficient use of inputs; reducing our emissions; sequestering carbon (both above and below ground in grasslands and pastures); by improving animal genetics or by minimizing cultivation. Research has shown that farm efficiency and economic viability are closely correlated to carbon efficiency – demonstrating that sustainability has a positive influence on our business and the environment.
Tools are now available to benchmark on-farm GHG emissions a farm produces, propose cost-effective reduction strategies and track progress of those reductions. By breaking down a large challenge into smaller, manageable tasks, we can all start to make a difference on our farms and ranches – and when lots of us do that, the effect can be enormous!
Investigate the methods producers are implementing to tackle climate change
- Carbon footprint assessment of the beef enterprise (kg CO2e/kg beef) demonstrated a reduction of 10% during a four-year period
- By increasing the soil’s organic matter levels from 1.5% to 3%, the farm has potentially sequestered over 100 tons of CO2 per hectare
- Undertaken a full assessment of the carbon footprint of his farming operations, helping identify areas where efficiency savings can be made
- Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions calculated, action plan aimed at reducing emissions and energy use
