Meetings at UNE to discuss GHG's

It was interesting to listen to a background of the issues in Australia and how farmers are often blamed for water quality and water flows. It is thought that GHG emissions will be added to this list and the main reason for research in this area. 
There are a number of ways to reduce GHG's, many with economic benefits such as more productive systems to reduce emissions per kg meet produced e.g. multiples rather than singles and reducing time to slaughter. Other things that have been tried and tested to reduce methane emissions are rumen manipulation tanins, legumes, oils, limiting protozoa etc. Some commercial companies are also trying to produce products to reduce methane emissions.   The university has been looking at reducing methane emissions by genetic selection. It is thought that there is about 10% variation, maybe 30% when management and feed is controlled. They have also found a variation in rumen size and volume in these animals.

After all this science it was nice to go out to Gara falls. Just 15min out of town with spectacular views, I was surprised we were the only people there on such a lovely evening. During the drive out we discussed a lot about the Australian sheep and beef industry and I was surprised by the high stocking rates and the quantity of grass with most fields with grass 1-3ft. In some fields you could hardly see the cattle! Apparently this is rare as they have had such a good growing year after many years of drought. More kangaroos were spotted and as we discussed the Australian wildlife I was informed it is as common to see snakes as kangaroos. Kangaroos two days in a row! Not looking forward to the other 2 days in a row.