Farm carbon accounting is a challenge. Farmers, like society at large, are being faced with an ever-growing chorus of demands to reduce their carbon emissions.
This is being led not only by government, but with consumers, retailers and processors also adding to the pressures to take action. Most of the times, this can be a daunting challenge for many farming businesses given the complexity of the biological systems on which farming is based and all the uncertainties that weather, markets and future government supports brings.
Like any major challenge the key is to break it down into smaller and more manageable steps that can be tackled one at a time over an extended period of time. Farmers are experts in taking on new practices and learning to implement them effectively over a number of years in way that works in their own business and carbon is no different.
10-15% carbon reduction, 2 – 3 years, cash positive – more sampling of soils, feeds, weighing of livestock to target input use effectively, a number of incremental technical improvements all round.
Another 10-15% carbon reduction (cumulative 20 to 30% reduction), over 3-5 years, changes in systems (e.g. change in breed / cropping systems) , some capital investment (e.g. band spreading slurry systems, direct drilling equipment) but relatively short payback (<5 years)
Another 5-10% carbon reduction (cumulative 25% to 40% reduction), requires long term capital investment (new slurry systems, solar PV), payback may be long, capital grants often required.
To go beyond 30-40% carbon reduction a combination of more involved methods often at net cost may be required; enhanced carbon reduction in soils, woodland creation, the use of feed additives (methane inhibitors), fertiliser amendments (nitrification inhibitors).
The first step is to work out where you are in carbon and performance terms and then develop a plan to move forward.
You can then start investigating mitigation measures that will lead you towards developing a carbon plan. You can always seek professional help, where needed, by involving existing advisors whether it be agronomy, livestock nutrition or business and target the main sources of carbon emissions.
Now that the carbon plan is ready, always start by planning how to address those issues that will bring performance and financial benefits. Start by agreeing practical steps that fit with your farming plan practical actions. This should be targeted at the relatively short -term (year ahead) with medium- and longer-term aspirations noted.
Of course, the routes that each farm business chooses to cut carbon emissions will differ widely. This will reflect differences between farm types (cropping, livestock type), soils and climate, technical performance, financial and market constraints and the aptitude and interest of the farmer.
How far and how quickly each business chooses to go will ultimately centre around the financial implications.
Head of Commercial Development at Agrecalc, Julian is in charge of supporting clients in project delivery, whilst at the same time working with the Senior Leadership Team on setting the overall strategic direction for the company. Julian has decades-long experience in managing and delivering agricultural market, business and sustainability advice to farmers, governments and supply chains.
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