Net zero beef ‘now a reality’

Four-year trial sees good results

Beef cattle reared on a grass-rich regenerative farming system can store more carbon than they emit – helping to mitigate climate change, suggests a study.

Results from the McDonald’s-sponsored project at FAI Farms could see farmers and food companies to back up their net zero balance with solid scientific findings, says soil carbon specialist Agricarbon.

The four-year trial saw FAI Farms introduce switch its rotationally grazed 486ha organic farm in Oxfordshire to an adaptive multi-paddock grazing system.

Cattle became healthier, soil structure and biodiversity improved – and staff were happier, it said.

Carbon balance

The farm’s carbon balance was calculated to be beyond net zero (-49.7t of CO₂e), thanks to a combination of relatively low emissions and carbon sequestration on permanent pasture.

“We’ve known for some time that healthy soil can sequester high amounts of carbon, and it’s fantastic that these figures can form part of the growing global evidence to back this up,” said Harry Kamilaris at Agricarbon.

“Our data supports companies like McDonald’s with their commitments for sustainable sourcing from carbon-rich and healthy soils. It allows them to reduce emissions in their supply chain by supporting farmers to introduce advanced grazing practices.”

Baseline emissions

Agricarbon undertook the sampling for the soil carbon baseline in May 2022 across three key fields, with results indicating a total carbon stock of 3,977t – an average of 107t/ha.

“When taken alongside our gross emissions, the results suggest that the farm as a whole is beyond net zero, which is in part due to low emissions, alongside carbon sequestration in our permanent pastures,” says Karl Williams at FAI Farms.

Adaptive multi-paddock grazing system sees cattle graze intensively on tall pastures for a short time before moving on. This means a longer recovery period for pasture to regenerate – increasing grass yields and the possibility of winter grazing.

The farm bought in a small amount of feed for its 90 dairy store animals. The 80 suckler cows and followers were sustained purely from grazing and forage produced on the farm, says Mr Williams.

Organic matter

Soil organic matter increased from an average of 7.6% to 9.2% at 0-10cm depth, and from 2.7 to 4.4% at 30-50cm depth. Active carbon increased by an average of 5% at 0-10cm depth and 81% at 30-50cm depth across the three key fields.

Laboratory soil analysis over the four-year trial showed highlights the importance of measuring throughout the full soil profile to provide a complete picture of the soil carbon dynamics beyond the topsoil alone.

“As soil organic carbon builds relatively slowly, our plan is to collect further data in spring 2027 to support the transition with transparent and robust datasets,” says Mr Williams.

“This initial paper and baseline underpin the science; the data we generate from remeasurement will then underpin the integrity of carbon removals reported.

“This is an important step for the whole supply chain, enabling farmers and processors to reduce the overall carbon footprint of beef production and help them to meet net-zero aspirations.”

Scottish calf project aims to boost on-farm productivity

An innovative calf shed is helping to reduce respiratory disease in youngstock.

The shed is being developed by livestock specialists Galebreaker and researchers from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). Funded by Digital Dairy Chain, the project promises cost savings and productivity improvements for the sector.

The new calf building is designed with a calf centred approach, meaning ventilation and the optimised environment is at the core of the design. It has been constructed on Ross Vance’s High Skeog Farm in Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway.

Daily liveweight gain and animal behaviour is being monitored through WellCalf sensor records. Lung scanning and farm treatments are also being monitored, with final results expected this autumn.