Harvest Road Group and State Government take steps towards lowering carbon emissions in the beef industry

A collaborative project between the State Government and one of Australia’s biggest beef producers is taking steps towards determining the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce beef. The first of its kind research, now at the half-way mark, analysed all stages of beef production including how cattle were sold as well as food sources, digestibility and feed intake. The 18-month effort from Harvest Road Group, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development comes after a survey of 2000 Australians showed concerns for the carbon footprint from the beef industry. Harvest Road Group’s beef business spans seven pastoral stations, including the State’s biggest beef processing plant Harvey Beef. HRG’s general manager of Agriculture Kim McDougall said the company was proud to be taking a national lead in understanding the drivers behind the carbon emissions in the beef supply chain. “A lack of critical information is our biggest barrier to moving forward as an industry and currently there is not enough information about the amount of carbon emissions from the beef supply chain,” he said. DPIRD senior development officer Mandy Curnow said research findings would provide a valuable insight into carbon emissions and also highlight the importance of more productive herds, cattle growth rates and lower mortality rates. “While further research is required to verify the results, the findings could assist producers when considering when and how to finish their cattle,” she said. The research showed that although sustainably-produced products were important to consumers, cost affected purchasing decisions. MLA sustainability and innovation manager Doug McNicoll said the research would be made public.