Livestock farming, particularly cattle, has long been under scrutiny for its significant environmental impact. One of the primary concerns is methane emissions and deforestation, which has led to a significant contribution to climate change. However, Khory is proving that cattle used in more effective ways that aim to go with nature and not against can actually restore and regenerate degraded ecosystems and reforest millions of hectares of land.

Amidst these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging, offering hope for a more regenerative and safe future.

One such solution is environmental scientist Khory Hancock’s regenerative cattle management program, which introduces a novel approach to addressing the environmental footprint of cattle ranching. The program aims to mitigate this impact through more effective livestock management techniques that actually restore the forests and soils rather than degrade them. The projects follow rigorous peer reviewed scientific methodologies and are regularly audited for ongoing integrity and transparency.

To participate in Khory’s program, graziers undergo a thorough baseline assessment spanning 10 years of records to understand their current annual emissions. This assessment serves as a foundation for implementing changes in livestock management that can lead to a reduction in methane emissions as well as restoration and regeneration of native forest.

One of the main methods used in Australia is called ‘Human Induced Regeneration’ (HIR) and is monitored by the Clean Energy Regulator. This method primarily aims to lift the livestock suppression on vegetation and native forest to allow it to grow to full maturity, consequently accruing Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). This can be done by putting in more water points to spread grazing pressure, additional fencing to improve planned grazing or temporarily reducing cattle numbers to allow areas to rest and recover.

Another method often used is referred to as ‘Beef Herd’ management which includes reducing the average herd age and planning for earlier selling of livestock through the acceleration of herd maturity. The reduced annual methane emissions from improved herd management methods can accrue ACCUs that can be later held, sold or traded on the national carbon market.

Other beef herd improvements work on minimizing the proportion of unproductive animals in the herd and incorporating feed additives into the livestock diet, such as the asparagopsis seaweed supplement. These measures are designed to optimize herd health and productivity while simultaneously lowering methane emissions.

However, while Khory’s program offers promising solutions, it also faces several challenges in widespread adoption. One significant obstacle is the initial investment required to implement changes in livestock management practices. From upgrading infrastructure to incorporating new feed additives, these changes may necessitate financial resources that some farmers may find prohibitive.

Moreover, transitioning to a regenerative cattle management model requires a shift in mindset and practices. It involves breaking away from traditional approaches to farming and embracing innovative techniques that prioritize environmental sustainability. This transition may pose challenges for farmers accustomed to conventional methods and may require education and support to facilitate adoption.

To solve these issues, Khory has integrated a carbon credit program that incentivizes sustainable practices while reducing methane emissions and reforesting millions of hectares. Investors and farmers can both earn valid carbon credits based on the methane reduction achieved on their farms. Treating these credits like commodities, the stakeholders can trade or sell them to other industries, generating a side-stream of revenue.

The need for innovative cattle management solutions like Khory’s program has never been more pressing. With the global population continuing to rise and environmental concerns mounting, regenerative agriculture practices are paramount.

By reducing methane emissions and promoting these practices, such initiatives not only mitigate the environmental impact of cattle farming but also contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable food system.

And by incentivizing farmers and investors to adopt practices that regenerative native forests, enhance biodiversity levels, minimize erosion, improve water quality and reduce methane emissions through enhanced productivity, these programs exemplify the transformative potential of innovative approaches to livestock farming.

While challenges remain, the imperative to make livestock farming greener underscores the urgency of embracing such solutions for a more sustainable future. For its widespread adoption, Khory is looking for investors who can not only enjoy higher yields on low input costs but also earn genuine carbon credits while playing a role in nurturing a greener future.