A Better Farm Case Study – GHG Focus

Our case study dairy farm milks 220 cows on dryland pasture with supplementary irrigation, producing 1,495,000 litres of milk each year.

Their Better Farms Report indicated their GHG emission intensity was high in comparison to other farms in their region 1.04kg of CO2e/kg FPCM*.

• Compared to other farms, their Better Farms Report showed the dairy farmer relied heavily on purchased feed and their homegrown feed utilisation was low.
• Additionally, compared to other farms, their herd feed conversion efficiency indicator was also low.
• On the positive side, the farm’s electricity efficiency use was better than many other farms in the same region.

Based on their Better Farms Report we recommended the farmer seek independent agronomy and nutritional advice to:

• Improve homegrown feed utilisation,
• Refine purchased feed inputs,
• Improve herd feed conversion efficiency.

Improvements in these areas can increase milk production and profitability as well as reduce GHG emissions.

We also highlighted they could access up to $5,000 in Better Farms grant support to implement improvements on farm, such as upgrade their: dairy feed system, fencing and stock water infrastructure or to plant trees for stock shade and shelter.

With Better Farms and by seeking independent advice the farmer could:

• Reduce their purchased feed costs by utilising more quality homegrown feed.
• Increase milk production whilst lowering enteric methane emissions.
• Increase carbon sequestration through tree planting.
• Reduce their emission intensity.
• Increase the profitability of their business.