On-farm production efficiency and emissions
Patricia O’Keefe from Central West Local Land Services discusses the importance of building productive, resilient farming systems by looking at the whole business. She highlights strategies to improve the efficiency of soils, pastures and livestock, and how these improvements contribute to reducing on‑farm emissions.
This presentation was recorded at the Livestock Field Day in July 2025 at the Trangie Research Station.
Low methane pasture, Grazing intelligence and
GHG Dashboard for Livestock
Dr Warwick Badgery explores three key areas of DPIRD research designed to help farmers better understand and manage methane emissions from livestock. He highlights advances in low‑methane pastures, the use of grazing intelligence, and the development of a greenhouse gas dashboard to support on‑farm decision‑making.
This presentation was recorded at the Livestock Field Day in July at the Trangie Research Station.
Low methane beef project
Leticia Doolan and Gustavo Santos outline the goals of the Low Methane Beef Project, which focuses on collecting methane data from both pasture‑based and feedlot cattle systems. The project aims to develop Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for low‑methane traits and to explore innovative testing methods — including analysing rumen fluid samples — that could significantly reduce future measurement costs.
This presentation was recorded in July 2025 at the Livestock Field Day held at the Trangie Research Station.
Low methane sheep project demonstration
Ed Clayton presents the latest DPIRD research on measuring methane emissions in sheep, with the goal of developing an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for low‑methane traits. He shares insights into the methods, findings and future potential of this breeding initiative.
This session was recorded at the Livestock Field Day in July at the Trangie Research Station.
Delivering methane-reducing additives
Jess Wallace outlines DPIRD’s research into the most effective ways to deliver methane‑reducing feed additives in extensive grazing systems. She shares insights into the technologies used to capture on‑farm data and the growing understanding of animal behaviour that underpins this work.
This session was recorded at the Livestock Field Day in July 2025 at the Trangie Research Station.
Near infrared methane project
Richard Meyer, a feed chemist, shares insights into a project using near‑infrared technology to predict methane production potential in different pastures. This approach enables rapid, high‑volume analysis to estimate volatile fatty acid (VFA) values, offering a practical method for assessing feed characteristics and their impact on emissions.
This presentation was recorded in July 2025 at the Livestock Field Day held at the Trangie Research Station.
Grazing Management and Soil Carbon:
Meta‑Analysis and Review
Dr Sarah McDonald shares her findings on how grazing management influences soil carbon, drawing on a comprehensive meta‑analysis and literature review. She highlights key trends, evidence and implications for producers looking to better understand soil carbon dynamics.
This presentation was delivered at the Livestock Field Day in July 2025 at the Trangie Research Centre.
More on Soil Carbon
Grazing management and soil carbon fact sheet
Summary: This document outline the connection to grazing management on the fluctuations of soil carbon (PDF)
Rangelands living skin final report (PDF, 15285.48 KB)
Summary: This is the final report provided to MLA the funding body on the outcomes of the Rangelands Living Skin project in Western NSW (PDF)
Bokhara Plains emissions report
Summary: Bokhara Plains is a farm that was involved in the Rangelands Living Skin Project and as such an emissions report was produced for the farm over a number of years. (PDF)
Gurrawarra emissions report
Summary: Gurrawarra is a farm that was involved in the Rangelands Living Skin Project and as such an emissions report was produced for the farm over a number of years. (PDF)
Etiwanda emissions report
Summary: Etiwanda is a farm that was involved in the Rangelands Living Skin Project and as such an emissions report was produced for the farm over a number of years. (PDF)
Wyndham emissions report
Summary: Wyndham is a farm that was involved in the Rangelands Living Skin Project and as such an emissions report was produced for the farm over a number of years. (PDF)
Two cases studies were produced for the Rangelands Living Skin project
Grazing Management Trial in Orange
Dr Warwick Badgery and Sarah McDonald share insights from a long-term grazing trial in Orange, examining how different grazing strategies affect soil carbon. Over 10 years, soil carbon increased by an average of 0.7 tonnes per hectare per year, with rotational grazing performing slightly better than continuous grazing. Seasonal conditions had a greater impact than grazing style, highlighting that soil carbon gains require a whole-farm approach rather than grazing management alone.
This presentation was recorded as part of DPIRD’s Virtual Demonstration Day.