Carbon Farming Conference And Expo

Key takeaways from the 2022 National Carbon Farming Conference & Expo

Precision Pastures were a Diamond Sponsor of the 2022 National Carbon Farming Conference and Expo held in Albury last week. Interim CEO Hamish Webb shares some takeaways from his keynote presentation and the few days on-the-ground meeting and greeting farmers, industry professionals and service providers.

Why estimate your soil carbon when you can measure it?

That was the takeaway message from Hamish Webb, interim CEO of Precision Pastures, who presented at the National Carbon Farming Conference and Expo held in Albury, NSW, held last week.

Mr Webb delivered a keynote presentation on the cost-benefit analysis of soil testing.

“For the cost of a steer or two tonne of canola, we can accurately measure a farm’s existing soil carbon levels with our Carbon Starter Report process,” Mr Webb said.

Myth busting the costs involved, Mr Webb stressed that soil carbon testing is not a prohibitively expensive process.

“Throughout the life of a [soil carbon] project, soil testing often comes in as the third-highest cost behind project developer costs and Eligible Activity changes on-farm – and it delivers a wealth of data the farmer owns forever and can use to make informed decisions about ongoing soil health, production, and grazing management,” he said.

He commended the Clean Energy Regulator’s world-leading soil carbon project methodology which is heavily reliant on data and facts to uphold integrity – due to rigorous soil testing – which will ensure Australia’s Carbon Credit Units remain genuine and highly sought after.

“Accurate measurement of those soil carbon levels, not estimations, can lead to a higher number of carbon credits being issued,” he said.

“As carbon farming is a relatively new industry, a system and methodology that is beyond reproach and is beneficial to the farmer is the best way to encourage uptake.”

The Precision Pastures enjoyed prime position inside the Albury Conference and Exhibition Centre with a large exhibitor space, and also displayed the company’s purpose-built soil testing rig outside the front entrance of the event for all to see. The team thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and greet new and old faces keen to share knowledge on the latest developments in carbon farming.

For more information regarding how soil testing can benefit your farm, contact our team via our website or info@precisionpastures.com.au