Lord Howe Island cattle comeback thanks to Macka's Angus Beef
July 2022
Beef cattle have made an emotional homecoming to Lord Howe Island, three years after producers were forced to destroy their livestock due to a rodent eradication scheme.
"It is absolutely crucial the island becomes self-sufficient to reduce the carbon footprint," Mr Robson said.
"The infrastructure on the island is all geared like this and they have sophisticated produce operations like fruit and vegetable growth, with a keen focus on hydroponics to minimise any impact on the natural ecosystem.
"These points are crucial to ensure the island remains and flourishes as a world heritage site."
The multi-modal molasses-based blocks have been developed over the past five years by Brisbane-based animal nutrition company AgCoTech in conjunction with the University of Sydney.
Various formulations of the world's first blocks have been extensively tested in broadscale grazing situations in both Australia and South East Asia to measure the effectiveness of the break-through technology.
At Macka's Australian Black Angus Beef, the consumption of a single 40kg block over 200 days is delivering an impressive 350kg average reduction in methane emissions per animal, in addition to delivering significant health benefits.
"Managing our carbon footprint is very much driven by the reality that we must meet the expectations of our consumers," Mr Mackenzie said.
"Carbon, methane, greenhouse gases, animal welfare... these are all issues at the forefront of consumers' minds and are issues we have to address if we are going to continue to enjoy the support of our customers.
"If we don't, the beef industry risks being left behind. Fortunately, we now have the tools to take control of the situation and make sure we remain on the front foot."
Mr Mackenzie said it was in 2019 when Wauchope Stock and Estate Agent John O'Brien - who has since retired - approached Macka's Beef and they began involvement with the process.
But there were delays, challenges and many hurdles due to seasonal conditions, transportation barriers, and a detection of seven breeding rats in early 2021.
"My son James visited the island in December 2021 and met with the LHIB and project officer Darcelle Matassoni to determine what was needed and how to make it all happen," he said.
"It was established that they were after some really quality Angus commercial cattle to rebuild the herd, and we wanted to use Angus Verified which has been a good program for commercial producers here."
EPISODE TWO OF “MAKING A DIFFERENCE” COMING SOON
In episode two, Robert shares his thoughts on the crossing and achievements of the historical event.
Article by Hannah Powe Published in The Land - Read in full here.
