METHANE emissions from Elders’ Killara feedlot near Quirindi in NSW will be measured and monitored via satellite, as part of a new collaboration  between Elders and Australia’s Smartsat Cooperative Research Centre.

SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat), Australia’s leading space research centre, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Elders to explore the application of satellite-enabled earth observation technologies in agriculture.

The collaboration aims to transform agricultural practices by addressing challenges in emissions monitoring, pest management, and crop yield enhancement.

The agreement marks a significant step towards integrating space technology into Australian agriculture for improved environmental and operational outcomes.

Under the MOU, both SmartSat CRC and Elders have committed to using satellite-enabled earth observation technologies to address key challenges in Australian agriculture.

The collaboration will focus on several critical areas. One major goal is to utilise satellite technology to monitor and report emissions from Elders’ Killara feedlot, contributing to improved environmental management.

An Elders spokesperson said the company had been measuring and reporting emissions from its Killara feedlot for many years, and as advances in measurement technologies become available, it was exploring how the company can continue to provide the latest and most accurate insights.

Satellite monitoring of agricultural activity

SmartSat CRC senior earth observation specialist Fabrice Marre said the feedlot’s methane emissions will be measured using the MethaneSat satellite.

“This satellite has been specifically designed to measure methane emissions,” Mr Marre said.

“When the satellite passes over the feedlot, the instrument will detect and measure the concentration of methane gas in the atmosphere above the site,” he said.

Ground and aerial atmospheric methane measurements will be used to demonstrate the high quality of MethaneSat’s emissions assessment. The collected data will be processed to create a map showing areas with higher or lower methane concentration.

Beyond the Killara feedlot project, Elders and the SmartSat CRC will work together to apply the technologies to enhance the management of weeds, pests, and diseases in Australian grain cropping systems, further improving agricultural efficiency.

SmartSat CRC chief executive Professor Andy Koronios said the project looked forward to leveraging the huge opportunity that space technologies offer to enhance food production and protect the environment.

“This partnership with Elders underscores the importance of earth observation technology in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture,” he said.

“By combining space-based data with on-the-ground expertise, we can enhance environmental monitoring and sustainable agricultural and farming practices across Australia.”

SmartSat CRC CEO Prof Andy Koronios with Elders managing director Mark Allison during the MOU signing

Elders managing director Mark Allison said Elders was committed to creating sustainable solutions for its customers and communities.

“Being at the forefront of agricultural innovation allows Elders to continue providing future focused solutions for our clients, ensuring their businesses remain resilient and profitable in our fast-changing world,” he said.

“To this end, we are delighted to be collaborating with SmartSat CRC to explore satellite-enabled earth observation technologies, for the benefit of Australian farmers and the wider sector.”

About SmartSat CRC

The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre brings together 135 participating organisations including national and international partners, with more than 400 researchers. With a portfolio of 150 R&D projects across Advanced Communication, Connectivity and IoT Technologies, Advanced Satellite Systems, Sensors and Intelligence, and Next Generation Earth Observation Data Services, SmartSat contributes to building Australia’s space R&D capability. The SmartSat CRC activities are funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources through the Cooperative Research Centres Program. Find out more here.