Latest research into the measurement and management of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock operations will be delivered to industry stakeholders next month as part of Rockhampton’s Beef 2012 event.

Three of Australia’s leading climate experts will deliver the Federal Government funded research at the ‘Carbon, Tax and Hot Air’ seminar, which is aimed at helping producers to understand the on-going carbon tax debate and what it may mean for their business.

Climate Change policy assistant secretary Julie Gaglia from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said researchers were working with primary industries to provide them with the knowledge and tools they needed to successfully manage a changing climate.

”The Government’s $46.2 million Climate Change Research Program is a significant research effort focused on providing practical solutions to help industry adapt in a changing climate,” Ms Gaglia said.

The ‘Carbon, Tax and Hot Air’ seminar would give beef producers and others in the supply chain a chance to hear from the experts on the latest research and techniques they could use on-farm, she said.

Terry McCosker from Resource Consulting Services (RCS), a pioneer in the field of soil carbon and carbon farming, will cover the carbon cycle, measuring and selling carbon as well as the implications for the grazing industry.

The seminar audience will also hear from CSIRO’s Dr Raphael Viscarra Rossel, who will discuss the National Soil Carbon Research Program, and Dr Ed Charmley, who will deliver key tactics for reducing methane emissions from beef cattle in northern Australia.

Dr Charmley said the cattle industry contributes about eight percent of Australia’s greenhouse gasses with about half of these coming from the northern Australian herd.

“The good thing, though, is that there are a range of things that producers can do now to minimise the amount of methane an animal emits,” Dr Charmley said.

“And looking forward, as we enter into a carbon-constrained era there will be even more opportunities as new technologies become available to us.”

The ‘Carbon, Tax and Hot Air’ seminar will be held on Thursday May 10 from 3:30pm-5pm at the Bos Indicus room in the James Lawrence Pavilion.

About Australia’s Farming Future

Australia’s Farming Future is a Federal Government climate change initiative for primary industries. It provides funding over four years to help producers adapt and respond to climate change. The Climate Change Research Program is a key element of Australia’s Farming Future and provides funding for research projects and on-farm demonstration activities under the three priority areas of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil management and research into adaptation management practices. The program is managed by DAFF.

• Further information on the CCRP or any of the funded projects can be obtained from the Australia’s Farming Future Hotline 1800 638 746 or by visiting www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/ccrp