IN today’s episode podcast host Kerry Lonergan catches up with Dr Frank Mitloehner, in a deep-dive into the beef industry’s climate impact, the importance of accurate accounting methodologies and why the livestock industry needs to be a strong voice in the climate debate.

While livestock do have an impact on our climate, the contribution of animal agriculture is often exaggerated at the expense of farmers and viable solutions, Dr Mitloehner says.

Dr. Frank Mitloener addresses delegates at the recent World Angus Forum in Brisbane.

“If we continue to reduce methane emissions in livestock sectors, whether through better grazing and forage, genetics, or tools coming online such as feed additives, livestock can be part of a climate solution. There aren’t many sectors that can say that,” he told the recent World Angus Forum.

Rather than being wrongly cast as a climate villain, Prof Mitloehner presented an opportunity for the livestock industry to be part of the climate solution.

“Farmers and graziers are stewards of the land and have been for generations. Stewardship is sometimes called sustainability, but regardless of the term, it’s part of the make-up of agriculture to manage the environment responsibly,” he said. “If we can reduce methane emissions from livestock, which we have, we can reduce warming by absorbing some of the excess greenhouse gases being emitted by industry.”