Farmer Focus: Carbon confusion reigns Down Under
© Angus Findlay Reflecting on a recent trip to Australia in my previous article, I mentioned the serious risk of bushfires.
During my stay, two farms we visited in the Grampians region of western Victoria spent Christmas Day and Boxing Day battling fires.
Currently, 76,000ha are still smouldering. There wasn’t much Christmas spirit for them, though thankfully the fires didn’t reach their properties.
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Others weren’t so fortunate: crops, livestock and buildings went up in flames, though lives were spared.
As of 3 January, 48,000ha of crop and grassland had been lost, along with 1,300 beehives, 800 sheep, two cows and two horses. The remaining 28,000ha are national parkland.
This fire was caused by a lightning strike. It’s a sobering reminder that with the growing pressures of climate change, even the UK faces rising risks of wildfires.
As we strive for carbon-neutral farming, better grassland management is crucial.
Changing seasons make rainfall essential for grass production.
Many Australian farms use a variety of phalaris, a highly productive grass that pairs well with cocksfoot on free-draining soils.
Combined with white clover, this mix is seen as a robust option for tough, dry conditions.
However, the root system of phalaris, like couch grass, might make it less desirable in the UK.
Still, it’s worth trialling to see its potential here in the Scottish Borders.
Interestingly, it’s not just the UK that’s having challenges with carbon assessments.
In Australia, several companies buying agricultural produce require their suppliers to undergo assessments.
One farmer I met had to complete three different carbon assessments for three separate outlets, each yielding different results.
This lack of standardisation seems absurd. An internationally agreed standard is urgently required to meet global market expectations.
During my visit, I also met members of the Australian Angus Society, who are preparing for the Angus World Forum 2025 in Brisbane.
Themed “Beef for a Better Planet”, the event will feature pre- and post-forum tours from Sydney to Brisbane.
Highlights include what’s expected to be the largest Angus cattle gathering in the southern hemisphere at Tamworth, along with a female genetics sale, some qualifying for the UK.
Leaving Australia’s mid-30C heat for a Scottish winter has been quite an adjustment.