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Beef · Environment · Footprint

Emissions intensity

12.2 kgCO₂e/kgLW

The greenhouse-gas footprint relative to output — kilograms of CO₂-equivalent (methane, nitrous oxide and fuel/fertiliser carbon) emitted per kilogram of liveweight produced.

Worked example · kgCO₂e/kgLW · 4-year trend
Industry avg 12.6 13.6 12.2 2023 2024 2025 2026
kgCO₂e/kgLW · 4-year trend
The benchmark

Australian beef averages about 12.6 kg CO₂e/kg liveweight (2019 LCA, down from 13.1); efficient grass-fed southern herds run lower.

Aust. Beef Sustainability Framework ↗
What it signals

Because methane is lost biological energy, low intensity usually tracks an efficient herd with strong growth, tight calving and high weaning. With the industry targeting carbon neutral, it also protects market access.

Data required to calculate
Total liveweight producedkgLWStock by classno.Farm inputs for emissions$

Silo pulls each of these from the sources the operation already uses, and keeps the figure current automatically.

How to improve it
01

Improve reproductive efficiency to reduce non-productive breeders.

02

Lift daily weight gains to turn stock off sooner and cut lifetime emissions.

03

Improve diet digestibility with legumes to lower methane per feed unit.

Questions & answers

What is emissions intensity?

The greenhouse-gas footprint relative to output — kilograms of CO₂-equivalent (methane, nitrous oxide and fuel/fertiliser carbon) emitted per kilogram of liveweight produced.

What data do you need to calculate emissions intensity?

You need: Total liveweight produced (kgLW), Stock by class (no.), Farm inputs for emissions ($). Silo pulls each of these from the sources the operation already uses and keeps the figure current automatically.

What is a good emissions intensity benchmark?

Australian beef averages about 12.6 kg CO₂e/kg liveweight (2019 LCA, down from 13.1); efficient grass-fed southern herds run lower.

How do you improve emissions intensity?

Improve reproductive efficiency to reduce non-productive breeders. Lift daily weight gains to turn stock off sooner and cut lifetime emissions. Improve diet digestibility with legumes to lower methane per feed unit.

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