Australia-Cattlemans Association.

AUSTRALIA-THE CATTLEMANS ASSOCIATION.

Burdening farmers with additional costs as part of an emissions trading scheme could have long-term effects on Australia’s beef industry, the new head of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association has warned.

Incoming NTCA president Rohan Sullivan, Cave Hill Station, Mataranka, said farmers were already struggling to make ends meet in the midst of a global financial crisis.

"An average beef property in Australia could be paying $40,000 a year on emissions trading expenses, and for bigger properties this could be substantially more," he said.

While he struggled to see how the industry would be able to sustain such a level of commitment, the industry was looking towards a greener future.

"It all depends on the research being undertaken at the moment," he said. "We heard today about modifying the rumen microbiology to produce less methane. That would go a long way to helping to reduce the problem."

The environment was front-and-centre at the 25th anniversary conference of the association in Alice Springs last week, with a line-up of presenters from across the industry focused on soliciting discussion related to issues of sustainability and renewable energy.

Keynote speaker Barney Foran was blunt in his presentation of issues affecting the pastoral industry, particularly in reference to energy futures, carbon issues and consumer trends.

Having worked for the CSIRO for many years, leading Resources Futures Group research teams, he is now involved with integrated solutions to Australia’s challenges in energy security and greenhouse mitigation.

Mr Foran said that despite the challenges of emissions trading and worldwide recession, the Northern Territory was in the "jump-seat" to provide quality beef to an expectant export market.