In December some of our team were fortunate to be invited by MidCoast Council to a farm tour of the first beef producer in Australia to achieve carbon neutrality from paddock to front gate. Mackas Australian Black Angus Beef at Woko Station, Gloucester, provides an inspiring example of innovation and sustainability leadership for our region.
This tour was an opportunity to celebrate National Agriculture Day and a valuable learning experience for ourselves, councils, government agencies and industry to see firsthand how Macka’s Pastoral has achieved carbon neutrality, without relying on offsets or large-scale tree planting, reinforcing the importance of practical, evidence-based approaches to sustainability.
Agriculture remains one of the MidCoast’s most significant economic contributors, generating $488.9 million in output and $225.2 million in value-add in 2024. With more than 2,300 people employed and 19% of local businesses operating in the sector, agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of regional prosperity. The region’s $178.7 million in exports further demonstrates strong domestic and international demand for high-quality, sustainably produced products.
The tour offered valuable insights into how advances in breeding, genetics, and production systems are shaping a more sustainable agricultural future. Topics explored throughout the day included:
- Carbon diversity and sequestration
- Beef sustainability traceability pilot
- Environmental Sustainability Goals (ESG) practices in agriculture
- Genetics and breeding innovations
- Pilot Project – Beef Sustainability Traceability | SEAOAK
A warm thank you to Robert Mackenzie and MidCoast Council for the invitation and for showcasing the future of sustainable agriculture in our region.