Cullen, Brendan, Sinnett, Alexandria, Reichelt, Nicole, Malcom, Bill, Eckard, Richard, Ayre, Margaret, Nettle, Ruth, Talukder, Saranika, Cobon, David, and An-Vo, Duc-Ahn (2023) Nexus project – exploring profitable, sustainable livestock businesses in an increasingly variable climate: Milestone 8, Final Report. Report. Meat & Liverstock Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

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Abstract

The Nexus project explored options for livestock businesses to adapt to the changing climate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions using four case studies in central Queensland, northern New South Wales (NSW), northern Victoria and East Gippsland. The project analysed future farm options (‘Base’, ‘Adapt’, ‘Towards carbon neutral’ and ‘Diversify and Grow’) using biophysical modelling, farm economics, and social research approaches together with regional reference groups who ensured that the work was regionally relevant. The research showed that warmer and drier climates will reduce pasture growth and farm profitability if businesses are operated in the same way, but the impact varied across regions. The Adapt option highlighted the opportunities and benefits for adaptation by implementing changes to feedbase and animal performance, with increased profit observed in all case studies and was consider achievable by the reference groups. Growing the farm business was predicted to be highly profitable but with increased financial risk. The Towards carbon neutral pathway achieved greenhouse gas emissions reduction mainly due to carbon sequestration in trees, highlighting a lack of practical mitigation options for pasture-based production systems. It was considered mostly unworkable by the reference groups. The project also evaluated the role of new technologies and made recommendations for future research, development and extension in the context of adapting to the changing climate and achieving emissions reduction on farms.

Item ID:	86257
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Funders:	Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2025 03:23
FoR Codes:	30 AGRICULTURAL, VETERINARY AND FOOD SCIENCES > 3099 Other agricultural, veterinary and food sciences > 309999 Other agricultural, veterinary and food sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	10 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 1099 Other animal production and animal primary products > 109999 Other animal production and animal primary products not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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