McAg Farms Soil Carbon Project

McAg Farms Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located in the North West Slopes region of New South Wales, situated approximately 20km north of Barraba and south of Bingara. Registered in May 2025, the project covers a substantial area of 5,737 hectares across properties managed by the McMurtrie family, including the property known as "The Ponds" in Upper Bingara.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Measurement and Models), which credits landholders for increasing soil organic carbon through changes in land management. To achieve this, the proponents are implementing activities such as altering stocking rates and grazing intensity, specifically moving towards rotational grazing systems, and applying nutrients to address soil deficiencies. The goal is to simultaneously improve soil health and increase the productivity of the family's Angus and Wagyu beef cattle enterprise.

The Upper Bingara and Barraba region is a well-established grazing area known for its rolling hills and cattle production. The environment typically experiences a temperate climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 650mm to 750mm. The soils in this district often feature productive basalt and trap rock derivatives, which respond well to the improved pasture management techniques being deployed.

An interesting facet of this project is its dual focus on natural capital and production efficiency; reports indicate the family aims for a 20% uplift in production alongside carbon sequestration. In August 2025, a project variation was processed to remove certain areas from the project boundary, refining the active carbon estimation area to its current size.