Practical approaches to emissions and carbon in northern Queensland grazing systems

Abstract

Australian producers face increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability within their businesses. Although information on carbon sequestration, emissions reduction, biodiversity, and sustainability is abundant, it can be challenging for producers to identify which information is credible, relevant and practical to their enterprise and region. Extension support is critical to help producers build their emissions and carbon literacy, improve data readiness, ensure initiatives are locally relevant, and reinforce that sustainability is already embedded in maintaining a successful grazing business. Extension activities conducted from February to November 2025 included one-on-one property visits and group workshops with graziers across Northern Queensland through the statewide DPI Carbon Outreach Program. These activities improved understanding of emissions reduction and carbon sequestration opportunities in Northern Queensland grazing systems, and supported graziers to record, consolidate and standardise the on-farm data required to calculate enterprise emissions. Insights from this program highlight the importance of tailored regional delivery and of framing sustainability conversations around productivity and profitability - areas where producers are already comfortable with the objectives and language.