B.FLT.0396 | Long-term total greenhouse gas emissions from beef feedlots

Summary

In order for feedlots to contribute to the carbon neutral objective of the Australian Red Meat Industry, it is important to understand their long-term greenhouse gas emissions.

This project measured long-term methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions from two feedlots (one south and one north) as a basis for understanding the whole farm emission profile.

The project also evaluated the impact of lignite amendment to manure processing on the entire system’s productivity and compared the long-term emissions data to current models.

Results suggest that the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory currently overestimates emissions from feedlots, allowing the industry to work to accurately update estimates and target areas for potential mitigation.

Objectives

The objectives of this project were to establish the long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from feedlots, using measurements of methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia emissions, and evaluate current approaches to mitigation and their economic impacts.

Key findings

By measuring long-term greenhouse gas emissions this project provided the key finding that the current estimation techniques used for the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory overestimate methane by 28% and nitrous oxide by up to 80% depending on the feedlot system. The project also demonstrated a positive cost-benefit from using lignite technologies to mitigate ammonia emissions, with a increase in value of up to $7 per head.

Benefits to industry

By understanding long term greenhouse gas emissions and the economic impacts of mitigation strategies on feedlot systems, the industry will be in a better position to implement feasible and targeted technologies to reach emission reduction targets.

MLA action

Using the results from this project and other research, MLA has been investing in developing a more accurate method to measure emissions from the Australian feedlot industry, to inform a submission to have the estimates underpinning the current National Greenhouse Gas Inventory adjusted. MLA also continues to invest in options to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from feedlots and grazing systems.

Future research

Areas recommended for future research include the development of new reactive nitrogen abatement technologies, a review and update of the current National Greenhouse Gas Inventory approaches to methane and nitrous oxide emissions accounting, and the development of an industry-based tool for estimated national emissions.

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