Kerin Fish Soil Carbon Project

The Kerin Fish Soil Carbon Project is a land-based carbon sequestration initiative located immediately north of the town of Peak Hill, approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Dubbo in the Central West region of New South Wales. Registered in October 2023, the project encompasses a significant agricultural area of 3,415 hectares. The operation is situated within the Cabonne and Narromine Shire Council areas, a region heavily utilized for mixed farming, specifically winter cereal cropping (wheat, canola) and livestock grazing.

This project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models). This method credits landholders for increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks through changes in land management. A key activity specified for this project involves the application of synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address material soil deficiencies, thereby boosting plant growth and root biomass to sequester carbon. This is often paired with improved grazing strategies to maintain ground cover and soil health.

The environment around Peak Hill is characterized by a semi-arid to temperate climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 560mm. The terrain consists of the Central West Slopes and Plains, typically featuring red-brown earths (chromosols) and clay loams which are highly productive but can be susceptible to acidification and erosion if not managed carefully. The area supports a strong agricultural economy, famous for its Merino wool production and broadacre cropping.

The project proponent, Kerin Corporation Pty Ltd (trustee for Dudleys Grazing Co Unit Trust), is associated with the Kerin family, prominent agricultural innovators in the Yeoval and Peak Hill districts. Known for their "Kerin Ag" brand, they are recognized industry leaders in time-controlled grazing and drought resilience strategies. The project is supported by Climate Friendly Pty Ltd, a service provider that assists landholders in navigating the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme.