The winner of the Western Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Carbon Cocky Competition will receive an all expenses paid trip to the Carbon Farming Expo and Conference 2008 to be held in Orange on November 18 and 19, where the NSW Champion will be announced.

Western CMA Rangeland Rehabilitation Officer, Chris Higgins, says the competition supports Western Catchment landholders who are demonstrating best practice in sequestering carbon into the soil.

“People interested in nominating themselves should contact me on 1800 032 101. Nomination forms are available on our website www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au and need to be submitted by October 31,” Mr Higgins said.

The competition assesses three land management principles to judge whether farm soil carbon levels are increasing.

Experience and scientific research in other areas of Australia has shown these three management principles increase carbon levels in the soil.

These are:

1. Maximising groundcover and biomass production.

2. Increasing plant root depth (with perennials or healthier crops).

3. Reducing cultivation (ploughing) and compaction to a minimum when cropping or sowing pastures.

Additional points will also be given for landholders who use renewable energy sources and other innovative ways of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions or increasing the storage of carbon on their farms.

“Landholders who can demonstrate these farming practices and have a farm plan should lodge an application,” Mr Higgins said.

“This is an opportunity to be acknowledged and rewarded for positive farming practices.

“If you are currently farming with carbon friendly practices I’d encourage you to put your hand up,” said Mr Higgins.