Agricultural forum comes to Winch

University of Melbourne PhD candidate Jonathan Jenkin will be giving a farmer perspective of reducing carbon emissions on farm. (Supplied)

A major forum tackling the complex issues of on-farm methane emissions and carbon trading is coming to Winchelsea on February.

The Understanding Carbon on Farms Forum will feature expert discussions and a farmer’s question time at the Winchelsea Hub on Friday, February 16, from 9am to 4pm.

One of the organisers, Murray Johns, said the forum’s goal was to help make the livestock sector carbon neutral by 2030 and to inform attendees of carbon emissions.

“That sounds great, but what does it mean and how do I get there?” he said.

“But it will not be all bad, as the forum will highlight the benefits of a carbon future for farmers.”

Mr Johns said there would be a particular focus on carbon trading and providing a greater understanding of methane on farms.

The program was compiled by the Surf Coast and Inland Plains Landcare Network and Upper Barwon Landcare Network and will be facilitated by The Weekly Times’ former editor, Ed Gannon.

After lunch, a question-and-answer session will be held with an interactive expert panel focusing on localised solutions and resilient farming businesses.

Forum guest speakers will include Agricultural Victoria climate specialist Graeme Anderson and Meat and Livestock Australia environmental sustainability program manager Margaret Jewell.

It will also feature University of Melbourne Professor Bill Malcolm and PhD candidate Jonathan Jenkin, Southern Farming Systems specialist Lisa Miller, industry-leading farmer Andrew Stewart, and Soils For Life chief executive Eli Court.

The Landcare networks will also plan on-farm ‘deep dive’ workshops across March, April and May focused on soils and livestock management, the use of trees and energy use.

Forum tickets are available to be purchased for $25 by February 9 at events.humanitix.com/understanding-carbon-on-farms-towards-carbon-neutral/tickets