Feeding the future: UNE’s role in sustainable agriculture
On Friday, 15 November, the University of New England (UNE) celebrated National Agriculture Day by hosting What Does It Take to Make a Net Zero Steak? This Futures Series event brought together leading voices from research, industry, and innovation to explore how Australian agriculture can achieve net-zero emissions.
Celebrating UNE’s Legacy in Agricultural Innovation
For over 70 years, UNE has been at the forefront of agricultural science, driving solutions for sustainability and resilience. As home to the world’s largest methane research facility, UNE continues to lead global efforts in addressing emissions. This was highlighted by Prof. Chris Armstrong, who showcased UNE’s ground-breaking research in "stacking" solutions—integrating genetics, pasture management, feed additives, and innovative technologies to build a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Dynamic Insights from Industry Leaders and Innovators
The event was expertly hosted by Anita Kauffmann from the Agricultural Business Research Institute, who emphasized that achieving Zero Net Emissions is far from a "zero-sum" game. The line-up of expert speakers shared invaluable insights, including:
Richard Heath, CEO of the ZNE CRC, who linked the ambition of net-zero with research-driven innovations in genetics, improved pastures, and feed additives.
Michael Crowley, Managing Director of Meat & Livestock Australia, who demonstrated how values-based marketing is enhancing eating quality and delivering value across the supply chain.
Bert Glover, from Impact Ag, who showed how nature-positive investments are unlocking opportunities for producers to benefit from methane reductions.
Steve Wiedemann, Principal Scientist and Managing Director of Integrity Ag & Environment, who emphasized the importance of robust measurement models to track net-zero success across the value chain.
UNE Researchers at the Forefront
UNE’s researchers, including Fran Cowley, Richard Flavel, Michael Aldridge, and Julius van der Werf, presented actionable, evidence-based solutions for reducing methane emissions in both paddocks and feedlots.
Wild Ideas to Challenge the Status Quo
The Wild Ideas Panel, led by Charlotte Murray, energized the audience with bold concepts for the future. Panelists Bill Mitchell (Optiweigh), Sam Duncan (FarmLab), Heather Burrows (UNE Professorial Research Fellow), and Nina Welti (CSIRO) floated ideas that pushed the boundaries of agricultural innovation. One particularly daring concept—floated by none other than UNE Founder Sam Duncan—suggested genetically modifying cows to photosynthesize and exhale oxygen instead of methane. Crazy? Absolutely. Wonderful? Without a doubt. It was just the kind of radical, blue-sky thinking that sparked lively debate and laughter in equal measure.
A Feast of Flavour and Knowledge
The event concluded with a truly memorable lunch prepared by UNE Meat Scientist, Peter McGilchrist, and MLA Head Chef, Samuel Burke. Guests were treated to a masterclass on sustainable meat practices as Peter and Sam expertly guided them through various cuts of meat, discussing the science behind preparation and the importance of provenance. The duo’s detailed knowledge and engaging banter added a fun and lively atmosphere, making the experience both educational and delicious. From perfectly cooked steaks to insights into grading and quality, every element of the meal highlighted the synergy between exceptional meat quality and sustainable practices.
Driving Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The event wasn’t just about the science—it was about fostering collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and future generations. UNE students, along with those from The Armidale School (TAS) and O’Connor Catholic College, participated actively in the conversation, demonstrating the importance of education in shaping the future of agriculture.
As UNE Vice-Chancellor Chris Moran said, “UNE is the place where agriculture is.” This event exemplified UNE’s leadership in bridging innovation and collaboration to drive sustainability forward.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for 14 November 2025, as we once again celebrate National Agriculture Day and continue this vital dialogue around sustainable agriculture. Together, we can ensure that Australian agriculture leads the way in shaping a greener, more resilient future.
This event was made possible through the NSW Government – Boosting Business Innovation Program.
