Biara Farm Soil Carbon Project

Biara Farms is a Santa Gertrudis cattle stud in its 49th year, operating across 1,937 hectares in Chapman Valley and Northampton in Western Australia’s 275–382 mm rainfall zone. Glenn Hasleby manages 480 breeders and sells 100–120 bulls annually. The project is registered under the ACCU Scheme as ERF203347 and uses the 2021 soil organic carbon measurement and models method to increase soil carbon through eligible land management activities. The farm has 1,632 hectares registered as soil carbon Emissions Abatement Areas (CEAs), with a 25-year land management strategy addressing sandy soils, low organic matter, water stress, and rising temperatures. The strategy targets organic amendments, perennial species establishment, improved grazing management through shorter paddock rotations using virtual fencing, and strategic contouring earthworks.

The project aims to lift soil organic carbon and improve soil function across 1,632 hectares through practices including organic amendments (worm castings and teas), perennial legume establishment, diverse pasture species, improved grazing management with virtual fencing, and strategic contouring earthworks. The Cost-Benefit Report models 52,580 to 189,288 ACCUs over 25 years under scenario assumptions, with an indicative revenue range of about AU$5.2 million to AU$18.6 million based on conservative pricing. Early implementation indicators point toward better infiltration and moisture retention, biomass response from perennial species, improved ground cover on sandy soils, and reduced weed pressure. The strategy also supports long-term business resilience and succession planning by adding a new income line tied to measured land improvement within the existing cattle operation.