Tasmania Launches Major Trial for Methane-Reducing Cattle Feed with $4 Million Government Investment
Source: The DairyNews
Tasmania is set to advance its agricultural sector's sustainability through a significant $4 million government investment aimed at reducing livestock greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative, in collaboration with TasFarmers and local business Sea Forest, will test the commercial viability of Asparagopsis-based feed supplements, which have shown potential to cut livestock methane emissions by up to 98%.
Jack Holden, General Manager at Fonterra, stated that Tasmania's pasture-based farming system provides the perfect setting for this large-scale trial. "Fonterra is excited to extend our Asparagopsis red seaweed trial to include over 1,000 dairy cows during the 2024-25 milk season," he commented. "Our goal is to establish red seaweed as a safe, effective, and economically viable solution for climate change."
Nick Duigan, Minister of Parks and Environment, highlighted that the trial will involve the use of Sea Forest's Asparagopsis SeaFeed as a feed additive for approximately 24,000 livestock, including both dairy and beef cattle. The projected impact is substantial, with an anticipated reduction of 16,350 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over three years, akin to removing 7,000 cars from Tasmania’s roads.
"Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Tasmania, surpassing even our entire transport sector in emissions," Duigan noted. He added that TasFarmers has secured partnerships with some of Tasmania's largest dairy and beef producers and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, which will oversee the project's evaluation.
Duigan expressed optimism about the collaborative effort to harness the commercial potential of this innovative Tasmanian product. "This initiative is a crucial part of our strategy to meet our net zero emissions target by 2030 or sooner," he said.
Nick Duigan, Minister of Parks and Environment, highlighted that the trial will involve the use of Sea Forest's Asparagopsis SeaFeed as a feed additive for approximately 24,000 livestock, including both dairy and beef cattle. The projected impact is substantial, with an anticipated reduction of 16,350 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over three years, akin to removing 7,000 cars from Tasmania’s roads.
"Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Tasmania, surpassing even our entire transport sector in emissions," Duigan noted. He added that TasFarmers has secured partnerships with some of Tasmania's largest dairy and beef producers and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, which will oversee the project's evaluation.
Duigan expressed optimism about the collaborative effort to harness the commercial potential of this innovative Tasmanian product. "This initiative is a crucial part of our strategy to meet our net zero emissions target by 2030 or sooner," he said.
