carbon challenge

At Locmaria Farms we acknowledge the role of livestock production and the related greenhouse gas emissions in the process of global warming. We are committed to being at the leading edge of our industry to reduce the emissions, in alignment with the latest science and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) CN30 initiative (read more here). 

Accordingly, we have created a holistic strategy that covers:

  1. Baseline emissions assessment.

  2. Carbon sequestration opportunities.

  3. Continuous measurement and minimising carbon emissions per output unit of production.

baseline definition

Establishing a carbon emissions baseline is essential for tracking progress and setting reduction targets. Locmaria Farms has an ongoing co-operation relationship with Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture of University of Tasmania, and our baseline emissions were established in a joint research project in 2025. Our baseline carbon stock for year 2020 was established in Federal Government’s National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge -program. 

Emission Sources:

  • Enteric methane from sheep digestion (major source).

  • Manure management.

  • Fuel and electricity use for machinery and transport.

  • Fertiliser application.

  • Land-use change impacts.

Carbon stock baseline:

  • Total carbon stock on the farm.

  • Soil carbon stock (based on the Clean Energy Regulator’s method).

  • Tree carbon stock.

  • Estimated carbon sequestration by trees/year.

Data Collection:

  • We use the Australian SB-GAF -tool (Sheep&Beef Greenhouse Accounting Framework) created by Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre (PICCC) of University of Melbourne in tracking and calculating our emissions.

  • We measure our annual fuel, electricity, fertiliser, and feed use.

  • We keep track of our livestock inventory (e.g., stock numbers, growth rates).

  • We continuously assess our land management practices (e.g., pasture improvement, tree planting).

Sequestration opportunities

Locmaria Farms actively implements carbon sequestration strategies to help offset the farm emissions.

Pasture and Soil Management:

  • Our Regenerative rotational grazing system improves soil organic matter.

  • We select perennial pastures to enhance root biomass and soil carbon storage.

  • We minimise soil disturbance (e.g. tillage).

Agroforestry and Shelterbelts:

  • We plant native trees and shrubs for carbon storage and biodiversity benefits.

  • We maintain existing vegetation to prevent land-use change emissions.

Regenerative Practices:

  • We aim to increase ground cover to reduce soil erosion and enhance carbon capture.

  • We integrate composting and organic soil amendments where practical.

Measuring and Minimising Emissions per Production Unit

To reduce net emissions intensity (kg CO₂-e per kg of lamb meat produced), we are actively implementing the following strategies:

Livestock Efficiency:

  • We select breeding sheep genetics for improved feed conversion efficiency and lower methane emissions.

  • We continually optimise stocking rates to balance production and pasture availability.

Manure and Fertiliser Management:

  • Our regenerative grazing system reduces leaching and consequently methane emissions from manure.

  • We optimise fertiliser use to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.

  • We explore organic alternatives to synthetic fertilisers (e.g. use cow manure when practicable).

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

  • We aim to minimise fuel use by optimising vehicle efficiency and use.

  • We are converting diesel-powered pivot irrigators to electricity (3 of 4 done).

  • We install solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels where practicable.

Monitoring and Reporting:

  • We use farm carbon accounting tools (SB-GAF) to track progress.

  • We follow up sequestration by tracking the changes in total farm biomass using satellite imagery.

  • We review and update strategies annually based on monitoring results.

Conclusion

By defining a baseline, improving sequestration, and reducing emissions per production unit (kg CO₂-e per kg lamb meat produced), this strategy gives us a pathway for Locmaria Farms to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining productivity and sustainability. Continuous improvement and adaptation will ensure long-term viability of the business in a low-carbon economy.