Along with Will’s parents the Treloars operate a beef cattle grazing enterprise on 72,000 hectares in the mulga country of South West Queensland west of Charleville.

“As a fifth-generation farmer, this is what I’m passionate about. If we can make our business work in the hardest of times it is going to make the good times easy” says Will.^[1]

The Treloars first heard about carbon farming when they came across Josh Harris, Climate Friendly’s Executive Manager – Operations & Trading, at an information seminar in Charleville.

Will and Sasha did plenty of their own research and risk management when assessing if a carbon farming project was right for them, including talking to their bank and various other interest holders. During this process they were able to tap into the expertise of the Climate Friendly team, all of whom are experienced in navigating the various steps needed to get a carbon farming project registered.

“Without Climate Friendly we would not have got a project up and running” says Will.

“It’s been a great thing to add to our business. We haven’t had to change much in our land management for the project to work”.

Will and Sasha say that in general, their local community and neighbours have been supportive of their decision to start carbon farming on their property.

“Carbon farming has kept our young family on the land and in the community,” says Sasha. “It has had a positive impact on our community”.

The Treloars cite their desire to manage risk as one of the drivers of their decision to become carbon farmers:

“Carbon farming is a risk management tool for our business – it safeguards our passive income, as well as helping with climate change,” says Sasha.

What’s Will and Sasha’s advice for someone considering becoming a carbon farmer?

“Talk to as many people as possible who have projects. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – talk to your accountant. Have a property development plan in place, so going forward life will be easier in the future. Work in a buffer – don’t bid all of what your estimation is, to allow for any unforeseen events.”

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2015-07-03/young-australian-farmers-on-the-farm-through-drought/6589872