Over 17,000 farmers are actively participating in a comprehensive agricultural programme designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while simultaneously boosting farm profitability. This initiative combines research, advisory support, and on-farm experimentation to help farmers adopt sustainable practices that mitigate climate change impacts and improve their economic outcomes.
The programme is structured around three core components. First, a network of 125 “Signpost Farms” operates as demonstration sites, showcasing effective climate mitigation strategies based on rigorous research. These farms foster farmer-to-farmer learning, enabling knowledge sharing and practical insights into sustainable agriculture.
The second element is an advisory service where trained advisors visit farms on request. They use a specialized computer tool called AgNav, which integrates data from multiple agricultural bodies to calculate a farm’s total GHG emissions. Using this detailed assessment, advisors collaborate with farmers to develop tailored action plans aimed at reducing emissions. With a team of twenty advisors, the programme targets support for 50,000 farmers.
The third pillar is a cutting-edge research initiative focused on soil carbon sequestration, known as the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO). This project studies how soil can capture and store carbon, thereby offsetting emissions. The Signpost Farms are crucial contributors to this research, providing real-world data that will guide future climate policies and farming practices.
AgNav is instrumental in quantifying the potential impact of various emission reduction actions on farms. For example, on intensive dairy farms, switching to a different type of nitrogen fertiliser can reduce emissions by 8.4%, while cutting fertiliser nitrogen application by roughly one-third can achieve a 4.4% reduction. For intensive suckler to finishing farms, switching fertiliser types can reduce emissions by 2.6%, lowering slaughter age by one month reduces emissions by 1.6%, and reducing the cow’s age at first calving results in a significant 5.5% reduction. These measures not only decrease emissions but also tend to lower production costs, thereby enhancing farm profitability. However, no single action is sufficient on its own; multiple strategies must be combined for meaningful reductions.
National trends indicate that agricultural GHG emissions, which rose between 2020 and 2022 compared to the baseline year of 2018, have started to decline since 2023, with further decreases expected in 2024. Much of this recent improvement is attributed to reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser. The sector faces a challenging target to cut emissions by 25% relative to 2018 levels by the year 2030.
Among the most commonly adopted actions by farmers in this programme are increased use of NBPT-protected urea, greater lime application, and the incorporation of clover into pastures. Protected urea usage, which helps reduce nitrogen losses, increased from 1% to 18% of fertiliser nitrogen applied nationally between 2018 and 2024, with an ambitious goal of reaching 90%. Lime application rose from 1 million tonnes in 2018 to 1.6 million tonnes in 2022 but dipped back to 1 million tonnes in subsequent years, likely due to adverse weather conditions. The aim is to raise lime use to 2.5 million tonnes nationally. Meanwhile, over 20% of farmers plan to increase clover in their grasslands, which naturally fixes nitrogen and reduces fertiliser needs, although this requires excellent pasture management and soil fertility.
In addition to the Signpost Programme, partnerships with the industry are helping to accelerate progress. One example is a collaboration involving more than 1,000 individual farm consultations, supporting farmers in improving nutrient management, water quality, and biodiversity while lowering emissions. Nearly all dairy suppliers of a major processor are engaged in this initiative, and similar partnerships are being developed with other processors.
The progress in reducing GHG emissions from agriculture is encouraging, but continued effort and widespread adoption of mitigation strategies are essential. Farmers are encouraged to participate in upcoming events at Signpost Farms and to engage with advisory services to develop customised emission reduction plans. These efforts not only support environmental sustainability but also help farmers reduce costs and improve profitability, demonstrating that climate action and economic success can go hand in hand. Those interested in joining are advised to contact their local agricultural office for more information and support.
