The ACC Beef Cattle Herd Management Project

The ACC Beef Cattle Herd Management Project is a large-scale aggregated agricultural project located across Australian Country Choice's (ACC) extensive cattle station portfolio in Queensland. Registered in July 2022, the project does not occupy a single contiguous area but spans multiple regions defined by the postcodes 4455, 4470, 4472, and 4825, among others. This places the project activities on properties stretching from the Maranoa region (near Roma and Mitchell) and the Central West (Charleville, Blackall, and Augathella) up to the North West (Mount Isa and the Barkly Tableland).

The Beef Cattle Herd Management methodology generates carbon credits by reducing the emissions intensity of beef production, essentially producing the same amount of beef with fewer methane emissions. This is achieved through herd efficiency measures such as reducing the average age of the herd (turning cattle off to market at a younger age), improving weight-to-age ratios, and culling unproductive animals (reducing the proportion of empty cows). To be eligible, the herd must be pasture-fed rather than feedlot-based during the crediting period, and the proponent must demonstrate continuity of management.

Given the vast geographical spread of ACC's operations, the environmental conditions vary significantly. The Southern and Central properties (e.g., around Roma and Blackall) typically consist of semi-arid grazing woodlands featuring Brigalow and Mulga scrub on clay and loam soils, with average annual rainfall between 400mm and 600mm. The Northern properties, such as Barkly Downs near Mount Isa, are characterized by vast Mitchell grass downs and heavy cracking clay soils (Vertosols), subject to a distinct wet-dry tropical season.

Australian Country Choice is recognized as one of the world's largest vertically integrated beef supply chains, managing the product from breeding to processing. This carbon project integrates with their broader operations, likely covering major stations such as Babbiloora, Redford, and Barkly Downs. The project aims to improve herd productivity while lowering the carbon footprint per kilogram of beef produced, aligning with broader industry goals for carbon-neutral red meat production.