Improved Beef Herd Management 2022

Improved Beef Herd Management 2022 is a large-scale agricultural aggregation project spanning multiple pastoral properties across the Northern Territory and Queensland. Registered in June 2022, the project operates under the Beef Cattle Herd Management methodology. The project proponent, Valley River Holdings Pty Ltd, is a subsidiary of Hancock Prospecting, the company headed by Gina Rinehart. This indicates the project involves some of Australia's most prominent cattle stations, specifically those within the Hancock Agriculture portfolio.

Based on the project's designated land areas, the operation covers vast pastoral leases. Specific locations identified include Helen Springs Station (NT Portion 1512) on the Barkly Tableland, and areas near Katherine (likely Manbulloo Station, linked to NT Portion 283). The project also extends into Queensland, with postcodes indicating properties in the Roma (4455), Charleville (4481), and Cloncurry (4825/4829) regions. These areas are dedicated to extensive cattle grazing, serving as key hubs in the northern Australian beef industry.

The environmental conditions vary significantly across the aggregation. The Northern Territory sites, particularly Helen Springs, are characterized by semi-arid black soil plains and tropical savanna woodlands, subject to distinct wet and dry seasons with high summer rainfall. In contrast, the Queensland properties (Maranoa and Warrego regions) typically feature mulga lands and red earth soils, experiencing a semi-arid climate with more variable rainfall. These environments support large herds of Brahman and composite cattle breeds adapted to the harsh conditions.

The project employs the Beef Cattle Herd Management method, which generates carbon credits by reducing the emissions intensity of beef production. By implementing activities such as improving herd genetics, providing dietary supplements, or culling unproductive animals, the project aims to increase the ratio of weight to age and reduce the average age of the herd. This results in cattle reaching market weight faster, thereby producing less methane per kilogram of beef produced over their lifetimes.