IN BRIEF Charcoal a tool to decrease emissions Customised charcoalrations for livestock couldhelp improve on‑farmproductivity and decreaseof the University of Western Australia.Researchers will partner with producergroups across Australia to customisebiochar production processes toand sheep can improve soil health asthe charcoal is distributed in soil (withhelp from dung beetles).MLA General Manager – Producer greenhouse gas emissions. produce sheep and cattle feed Consultation and Adoption, Michael Biochar – a charcoal associated withsupplements and quantify the effects Crowley, said the project aligns with carbon sequestration, adsorption of on animal productivity and emissions.MLA’s commitment to Australia’s red gases and soil enrichment – is the The biochar will be generated from meat industry ambition of being carbon focus of one of 13 new on‑farm research,woody plants and fodder. neutral by 2030. development and adoption (RD&A) Rob said while there are many types of“It’s important that these research efforts projects to share in MLA investment biochar, this will be the first time onehave the dual objectives of carbon of $6.2 million. has been designed to be fit‑for‑purposeneutrality and improving profitability This investment is a result of MLA’sfor ruminant production. for red meat producers. This project regional consultation process, which“It’s about filling a knowledge gap andis a great example of this: it has the enables producers across the countrydirecting resources to a feed supplement potential to boost productivity and to have input into the direction of RD&Aspecifically for enhanced production, profitability in red meat production funding most relevant to them. with a co‑benefit of decreased methane systems while reducing emissions.” ■ The biochar research will be led by Dremissions,” Rob said. Rob Kinley, a Livestock Systems ScientistAs well as contributing to rumen For details about the 13 RD&A with CSIRO Agriculture and Food, in efficiency and live weight gain, there’sprojects, visit consultation with Professor Phil Vercoeevidence that feeding biochar to cattle mla.com.au/annualcall Telling redmeat’sstory MLA has joined forces with of how and why they feed and clothewhich answers many common influential Australian the world. questions about the way red meat is business people who Led by the National Farmers’ produced and is an easily accessible support the red meat industry Federation (NFF), We Are Australianresource for curious consumers. and farming leaders to better Farmers taps into the idea the The campaign will also link in with connect producers with most powerful way to communicate is human connection; therefore MLA’s school and producer advocate consumers through the We Are producers – already strongly trustedprograms to make red meat’s good Australian Farmers initiative. and supported by Australians – story known. ■ The initiative will span multiple should be at the heart of the story. media channels, including print andMLA will connect its extensive Lisa Sharp digital, with red meat producers community engagement work to this E: lsharp@mla.com.au appearing alongside producers frominitiative, including the Australian goodmeat.com.au all agricultural sectors to tell the storyGood Meat program and website, 5