Howson Carbon Project 10

Howson Carbon Project 10 is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Theodore in the Banana Shire of Central Queensland. Registered in March 2022, the project covers nearly 236 hectares and is part of the broader "Howson" aggregation managed by the Gunthorpe Cattle Company (Tarramba Brahmans). This region is a major hub for beef production, characterised by extensive grazing properties and dryland cropping.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon method (Measurement and Models), which credits landholders for increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks. Unlike tree-planting projects, this methodology focuses on regenerative agricultural practices that store carbon below ground. To achieve this, the project activities include altering stocking rates and grazing intensity, specifically shifting towards rotational grazing to match carrying capacity, and rejuvenating pastures through seeding and legume introduction.

The environment in the Banana Shire is classified as semi-arid to humid subtropical, with a summer-dominant rainfall averaging between 620mm and 730mm annually. The local landscape typically features productive clay soils, often Vertosols, which are well-suited to the project's strategy of increasing biomass and soil health.

A notable aspect of the wider Howson aggregation is its status as a flagship success for the proponent, AgriProve. The aggregation was among the first under the 2021 method to receive Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) within just two years of operation. The property also serves as a Producer Demonstration Site for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), researching the impact of soil carbon on grazing profitability and climate resilience.