In Australia, agriculture is important to the economy and national identity and is responsible for a substantial portion of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically from livestock. As increased global pressure mounts to address climate change, measuring and cutting back on livestock emissions has become not only a scientific necessity but an applied and ethical need too.
This blog discusses how livestock emissions are quantified in Australia, cutting-edge technologies involved, government-supported measures, and the way ahead for green agriculture.
Why Livestock Emissions Matter
Livestock (cattle and sheep) account for about 70% of Australian agricultural emissions, largely from methane (CH₄) emitted from digestion (a process referred to as enteric fermentation). As the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) reported, livestock accounts for approximately 13% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a warming potential greater than 25 times that of carbon dioxide on a 100-year scale. Quantifying and understanding the emissions is the first step towards their mitigation.
How are Livestock Emissions Measured in Australia?
Scientific Field Measurements
Australian scientists employ sophisticated technologies to observe emissions in real time:
- Open-Path Laser and Infrared Spectroscopy: These tools measure and detect methane, ammonia, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide from animals on paddocks and in feedyards.
- Eddy Covariance Systems: Applied to estimate gas flux over landscapes and offer information on methane emission at a farm or herd level.
- Portable Chambers and Respiration Pens: Enable individual animal testing in controlled environments.
These tools are led by organisations such as the Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre (PICCC) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Emissions Estimation Tools
To complement physical measurement, digital tools and calculators assist farmers in estimating emissions:
- SB-GAF (Sheep–Beef Greenhouse Accounting Framework) by the University of Melbourne.
- MLA’s Carbon Calculator gives rapid emission estimates from herd size, feed intake, and farm practices.
- Emission Intensity Metrics (e.g., kg CO₂-e per kg of meat or wool) provide a more direct method of benchmarking performance among farms.
These metrics are extensively used in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland’s agricultural departments for planning and reporting.
Government & Industry-Led Measurement Programs
MERiL: Methane Emissions Reduction in Livestock
The Australian Government has invested more than $29 million (2021–2027) through the MERiL program to expedite the adoption of methane-reducing practices and technologies.
The initiative is focused on:
- Creating and testing low-emission feed additives.
- Testing delivery systems such as lick blocks and water additives.
- Working with producers to quantify the real-world effect
Early findings indicate that some feed additives can lower methane emissions by as much as 98% in controlled conditions.
Innovations in Methane Reduction
FutureFeed & Asparagopsis Seaweed
Founded by James Cook University and CSIRO, FutureFeed uses the ability of Asparagopsis, a local red seaweed, to curb methane production in ruminants.
- Only a 0.2% addition to animals’ feed has produced reductions of more than 98% in methane emissions.
- Australia-wide trials are currently being conducted in feedlots and dairy farms.
- Commercial licenses have been issued to implement the technology on a large scale.
Commercial Adoption: A Case Study
Mallee-based pastoral giant AACo is testing seaweed supplements in Queensland feedlots and combining emissions reduction with renewable power and precision agriculture. These strategies not only reduce emissions but also attract carbon credits under government programs.
Practical Farming Strategies to Mitigate Emissions
Australian agriculture, in addition to feed additives, is embracing larger management practices to reduce emissions:
- Genetic Selection: Raising animals with less methane production.
- Improved Diets: Providing more digestible forage and grains.
- Manure Management: Maximising storage and application of manure to minimise nitrous oxide.
- Pasture Improvement: Pastures enhanced with legumes enhance nitrogen cycling in soil and lower methane per unit of meat.
Advisory and support is provided through forums such as Agriculture Victoria, NSW DPI, and Queensland DAF.
Challenges with Measurement & Reporting
- Underreported Emissions: A 2024 study from the University of Queensland suggested that Australia may be undercounting up to 10 million cattle, leading to a significant underreporting of livestock methane, potentially as much as 90 Mt CO₂-e annually.
- The Debate: Net Zero vs Climate Neutral: Industry organisations have lobbied for a change from “net zero” to “climate neutral” goals, claiming that methane’s fleeting lifespan in the atmosphere demands an alternative accounting procedure to carbon dioxide. This argument continues and may determine upcoming emission regulations for livestock.
The Road Ahead
Australia is well on its way towards understanding and controlling livestock emissions through a mix of:
- High-level scientific measurement
- Farmer-friendly estimation tools
- Innovative mitigation technologies
- Supportive government policies
Initiatives such as MERiL and FutureFeed, along with more efficient farm practices, present a clear path to lowering livestock’s environmental footprint without compromising productivity.
The success of these projects will be vital not just for climate action but also for maintaining global demand for Australian red meat and dairy products in an increasingly green-conscious market.
Conclusion
Livestock emissions can no longer be measured and avoided- it’s a pillar of sustainable agriculture in Australia. In uniting innovation, science, and practice on the ground, the industry can meet climate goals while still feeding the world.
Stay tuned as new technologies emerge and the on-the-ground impact increases. The path towards climate-smart farming has only just begun. For detailed insights, contact us at KG2 Australia today!
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