Case Study: Farm Carbon Audit

County-wide Farm Carbon Auditing and Benchmarking Project

FARM CARBON AUDITING PROJECT AT A GLANCE

The selection of participants represents a diverse range of farming types, reflecting the farming practices in the area.

This included farms of varying sizes, ranging from smallholdings to large estates.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a comprehensive audit and benchmarking project to establish the carbon footprints of farms throughout the county.

METHODOLOGY

✔ Use of the same IPCC and PAS2050 accredited calculator and the same assessor to ensure consistency

✔ Assessor with a family farming background and extensive farm management experience – increased understanding and efficiency of data gathering

✔ Reports issued in person and a walkthrough undertaken – opportunity to discuss and understand

✔ Benchmarking – compare similar enterprises across the country to measure performance

✔ Farm event – participating farmers and other stakeholders present key findings and discuss

✔ Signposting to key grants that can assist with improving carbon efficiency

KEY FINDINGS

Carbon reductions achievable for all farm sizes

Integrated farming systems had lower carbon footprints
Grassland very important for carbon sequestration
Woodland and hedgerows have a big impact so explore options to increase areas
Detailed record-keeping essential
Detailed Nutrient Management Planning is fundamental – analyse soils for organic matter, manures for ‘on-farm’ results, utilise on-farm organics efficiently and reduce artificial requirements

KEY METRICS

40

FARMS

12,500

HECTARES

12,000

FARMS

BENCHMARKING CAPABILITIES

Project Team Leader

Jonathan Lloyd

Agricultural Consultant

Jonathan works closely with farmers to develop their bespoke Nutrient Management Plans and Carbon Reports. Jonathan’s qualifications include FACTS and WAMITAB and he has worked in practical farm management on a range of mixed farms for many years, along with recycling organic materials to land. Therefore, he understands farm systems and can ensure advice is bespoke to individual farms.