Cheyenne Soil Carbon Project

The Cheyenne Soil Carbon Project is a soil organic carbon sequestration project located approximately 40 minutes (roughly 50km) east of Walcha in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Situated on the "Cheyenne" property, which borders the Macleay Gorge, the project was registered in November 2016 and covers an area of approximately 757 hectares. The region is characterized by cool temperate climate conditions with reliable rainfall, traditionally supporting fine wool and beef cattle grazing. The landscape features rolling hills typical of the New England Tablelands, with soils that the project aims to improve through regenerative management.

Operating under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models), the project generates Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil. This is achieved primarily through time-controlled rotational grazing. The project proponents, the Blomfield family, have implemented significant infrastructure changes, often described as "water and wire", to facilitate this. Specific activities include increasing paddock numbers from 88 to over 140 to reduce paddock size, allowing for higher stocking density and longer pasture rest periods. Additionally, the project has replaced synthetic superphosphate fertilizers with organic chicken manure to stimulate soil biology.

A notable success story in the sector, the Cheyenne Soil Carbon Project was the second soil carbon project in New South Wales to be issued ACCUs. In May 2024, it was awarded 12,486 credits for carbon sequestered between 2016 and 2021, despite the region experiencing severe drought during that period. The property is also home to a farmstay business, showcasing the integration of carbon farming with diverse agricultural income streams.