Back on the job! Sorry for absence over the last few weeks although may have caught up with many of you on the old 'social media' - call it 'post conference' exhaustion! Having cleared the first few piles of material however, the sheer weight and interest of what is going on pulls me back again to spread the word. 

Announcing the Website Revolution!

Many moons ago, we dreamed up a megasite - in fact a 'webtropolis' and it is now live! We'll have much more general information for you, as well as many ways of moving forward with your carbon farming and even energy efficiency goals and aspirations. We'll have places where you can let us know what you are thinking, and a place for innovations as well. We'll be working hard over the break to develop it further!

New Training Announced

Yes, we are entering the 'digital age' like never before! We've figured out the technology and we will be holding our very first Webinars in early February - Check back for dates as I'll be beavering away getting the materials ready.

Soil Carbon... on and on and on

Meanwhile, in the face of continued 'discussion' between science and practice on what can be done in soils, Michael has uncovered the 'theory of the outliers' and managed to have a chat to Dr Jeff Baldock about these 'unexplained' results. We've identified with Dr Jeff Baldock of CSIRO that our carbon cockies and indeed the 19 wonderful farmers in the Major General Jeffries program and others could well be the 'outliers'. That is those who have shown that they CAN do more, store more and keep more than is commonly understood.

We hope to put a research project application in around these areas, using the 'Good Doctor Baldock' and our fabulous Carbon Farmers. Stay tuned!

Elephants in the room

1. Is the CFI an 'intensive industry' only space? 

As well known advocates of soil carbon and broadacre farming in the 'carbon farming' space, we pose the question: Is the CFI destined to be for Councils, those who burn savannah and intensive industry only? While I am very grateful for the 'Environmental Plantings' Meth - and this is the first one which can be undertaken by a broadacre farmer - Where is soil carbon and nitrous oxide reduction from altered fertiliser use? 

Nowhere on the Government site can you see what is happening within the bowels of the 'soil carbon working group' or the nitrous oxide side - I have suggested more transparency to the Department, so hopefully it's not a sin to be able to be informed on such things.

2. The mystery of the 'meth'. 

While there are many and various 'Grant Applications' open, of which we are part of a few (stay tuned), and which will result in many great training opportunities, we remain prisoners of the difficulty of 'methodology interpretation'. Have a look at an approved one on the Government site. 

The problem is, they are highly technical, and difficult to read (Greek, we say!). Without a 'Plain English' version of each, how is a well informed landholder going to be able to decide which one is best for them? No use educating everyone on a process that once it gets to the point of project implementation falters on this difficulty? Let me work on that one!

Conference Wrap-up

Well, did we raise the profile of what farmers can do in this space? Did we deliver it in Plain English, and did we show the step by step guide? Yes we did. Is it still complicated, and long winded and New?Yes it is. 

This is a 'journey' and a process new to all. Its complex because you are selling information - But consider this - This is the ONLY thing you can sell, where you get to keep the product - Yes, you will keep the carbon you store, for instance, and the benefits of reductions in nitrous oxide! (Thanks to Peter Richardson of Object Consulting for pointing this out). Conference slides are also available at the Conference program page, and included here for your reference:

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Alistair Handley (2344 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Angus Maurice (13965 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Brian Murphy (4593 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Darryl Paulhus (3113 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Freddy Sharpe (831 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Jennifer Lauber Patterson (1439 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Kellie Waters (1946 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Mary-Anne Wilson (345 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Mobile Pyrolysis Plant (6951 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Peter McGee (690 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Peter Robertson (633 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Romily Webster (1790 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Shane Joyce (15013 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Tony O'Hara (494 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Virginia Young (1918 KB)

Carbon Farming Conference 2012 - Wayne Sharpe (1387 KB)

We had a terrific line up of Carbon Cockies and Shane and Shan Joyce were thrilled to take out the top honours.

I'd now like to, of course do the Merry Christmas thing - and wish you a calm, peaceful, time - full of as much sleep, grog, sand and water - or whatever it is you need to rest awhile and recharge the batteries! We'll be back early next year - and we are calling 2013 - THE YEAR OF THE SOIL CARBON METHODOLOGY.

Yours, as ever  - humble carbon servant. I can be reached on 02 6374 0329, or email louisa@carbonfarmersofaustralia.com.au.

I had the privilege of attending the final day of the Ylad Living Soils conference last week, and once again fell in love with terrestrial carbon - microbes, compost, and the living, breathing ecosystem working so hard beneath our feet. I learnt again that 'carbon protects biology'. And that we are losing topsoil at an alarming rate. Call me mad, but it fired me up all over again. 

That's right. Back 58 years ago, it was felt a civic duty to assist farmers to understand how to protect our soils. Soil erosion from overstocking and poor management was already a problem, and it was considered a serious threat. This is amazing.

When did the wisdom disappear?

We 'got religion' 7 years ago we were introduced to the win/win of terrestrial sequestration of carbon; take it out of the air, store it in trees and soils, where it does good - and we have 'polluters' who need to pay to get it out of the air. All equals perfect solution!

For these reasons, and because we also believe that the soils represented our greatest asset, we have believed in the market solution to carbon sequestration.

For these reasons, and because we also believe that the soils represented our greatest asset, we’ve believed in the market solution to carbon sequestration. 

Now, I know there are pros and cons to a 'market based' solution - doesn't it mean that 'crooks' will be involved, and 'they'll make a killing' (I can never seem to find those people, but it's always assumed that someone is making some sort of easy millions) OR is a market the best way to get something done the most efficiently? Clearly the Government believes so. 

Well, call me old fashioned, but I'd rather be part of a well-regulated industry which is respected, protects our lands and resilience, and gains Government support because its worth millions to the economy, than have a 'hand out' mentality, waiting for the next round of Government funding to keep it alive. AND I'm pretty sure most farmers prefer it as well. 

So, this market ain't perfect - let's fix it! So it's got new language - let's learn it and turn it into something we can understand. We've never believed that we (the collective 'we') can't influence this new solution - and I don't think even the Government believes it has all the answers.  By the way, we are on the right side of the political cycle as well - Pollies tend to be more pliable as an election looms!

Just in - Special rate for Conference attendance for Farmers! Click Register Now for more details!

We call our gathering a 'conference' because I can't find a more suitable word - But really, it's a gathering, a demonstration of new technologies, an 'action tank' (which is my version of a 'think tank') an education, a great chance to chinwag with like minded folk, and a real eye-opener. Not to mention a rollicking good time!

This is where you come if you want to not only hear about the Carbon Farming Initiative, but also experience how it works. If you want to understand how it's been set up, and discuss openly why. Where you understand that farmers are now the custodians of an incredibly important on-farm carbon resource, and discover the myriad uses of this very useful resource. I reckon farmers will come to bless the times that made on-farm carbon so bloody trendy!

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Man, have we got a great conference lining up. In fact, The Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP, has now agreed to attend and present. We are asking both sides of politics to address the 'road blocks' we are currently experiencing - The 100 years rule, and the paperwork and outline the vision for farmers.

Heard alot about Biochar? Well, at the Carbon Farming Conference you will be able to feel and smell it! As I've said, "waste ain't waste anymore" - and we will demonstrate one way of 'value adding' your on-farm carbon resource. You see, the trouble with biomass plants is that biomass is really heavy. So, here is the solution - the portable char unit.

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A market needs buyers and sellers and for a trade to be made between them, right? In an absolute first, at the 2012 conference we bring all three together and we will demonstrate a sale of carbon credits - and Steve Fieldus, our carbon neutral truckie, will be the buyer. Seeing is believing! The Carbon Trade Exchange will be our intermediary.

We love it during the year, when our Carbon Cockies proudly display their awards as they go on to further achievements. There are plenty of times it's good to say "I was the Carbon Cocky of the year", as you apply for further accolades. This year, we've again identified some amazing carbon cocky's who've entered the Carbon Cocky comp. There's still time to enter - It's easy and takes no time at all (well, nearly no time!) - an we do all the hard work for you.

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Can you believe I still have more announcements to make - more great things happening. We are gathering up some amazing prizes and give-aways... more of that next time!

As ever, I remain your humble servant. If you have any questions or suggestions for the upcoming Carbon Farming Conference, please contact us - And don't forget to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the blog for the very latest in Carbon Farming news!

How much would you pay the people who could solve this problem? 

When you read of farmers increasing the carbon levels in their soils by prodigious amounts you can be forgiven for being sceptical. The conventional view says it can't be done. But it is done - Carbon Cocky Col Seis has seen soil carbon levels increase 200% in ten years. Carbon Cocky Martin Royds has seen his soil carbon levels from less than 3% to as high as 7% in 5 years. These are big numbers. But they are not out of place in the Soils For Life Report: Innovations for Regenerative Landscape Management: Case studies of regenerative land management in practice 

where each case study has a story of increased production or carrying capacity that is typical of major shifts in soil carbon levels. 

AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE, OI, OI, OI!!!

Draft Conference Program announced!

With the success of our paralympians and the ringing in my ears, my fervour rises into the stratosphere (and my language skills tend to decrease as a result). "Dare to dream" hardly does these guys justice. Many have overcome obstacles that make me shake in my boots just thinking about. Many, many have been told never to dream, to go home and accept their fate.

The reason they are there is because they WON'T accept their 'limitations', preferring to write their own scripts. It CAN be done, they are sure, if they just keep up the hard work, take the pain and stay as focused as an arrow searching for the bullseye. Hour after relentless hour.

It is with this fervour that we mount the 6th annual Carbon Farming Conference and Expo. With this conference I want to show how we CAN make a multi-million dollar market that simultaneously helps solve the climate challenge, builds resilience into the Australian landscape and breathes life back into Regional Australia.

For once, we have:

• The political will, from both sides of politics 
• A ready made market - The low carbon era is here to stay, no matter the right or wrong.
• A starting framework - and what starting framework has ever been perfect?
• The best business people in Australia being called to do the job. Our Farmers.

Yet the CFI is having trouble getting off the ground. She's the Boeing 747 of her time; she's on the runway, she's got the fuel, but where is lift off? Why is there no lift off? Because we are still talking Greek!

Where is the PLAIN ENGLISH explanation? what actually ARE the rules and can we live with them? or who do we talk to for advice? Is the Government listening?

COME ON DOWN TO THE 2012 CARBON FARMING CONFERENCE AND EXPO!

Now folks, because I spend 24/7 eating and breathing this thing and I love Plain English, I’ve been able to put together experts in each of the relevant, in play now, fields to explain this to you in detail. 

• What are the rules?
• How to engage
• Is there a buck in it now?
• What is coming up?
• Basically everything you need to make a decision around being involved – if you are a farmer, an NRM agency, or you provide services to farmers. Instant expert, over just a few days. 

We've unveiled the draft Conference program, so why not give this a bloody good shake and then see if we can live with it! You won't know until you can weigh it up. 

Stay turned for some more great announcements, too - will have to wait until next newsletter because I've prattled on too long!

As you know, I remain your humble carbon servant.

P.S. Oh, and for some reason the Prime Minister has declined my offer of a speaking spot. Will I let that stop me?

The draft program for the 2012 Carbon Farming Conference has been announced!

Click here to view the exciting lineup of esteemed guest speakers and their presentation topics.

Dr. Peter McGee, an esteemed academic from the University of Sydney, is the latest addition to the Carbon Farming Conference presenter’s lineup. 

We are excited to announce that Dr. Brian Murphy will appear as a presenter at the upcoming Carbon Farming Conference. 

Brian has worked in soil science for over 35 years with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and has published a range scientific papers and books. He has worked on soil carbon over the last 12 years and in that time he has collaborated with NSW DPI, CSIRO and the University of Sydney. 

Although recently retired Brian has continued to work on soil carbon, especially on aspects of measuring soil carbon, regional variation in soil carbon and the effects of land management on soil carbon levels. Click here to read more about Dr. Brian Murphy and our other esteemed presenters.