Clear Data, Confident Decisions: The Key to Carbon Accounting

Did you know that many of the larger companies you supply or deal with already report their own emissions annually, and as part of that, they either already report yours, or soon will. That means assumptions about your farm’s emissions are being made, whether you’re part of the conversation or not. So, do you know your numbers? Understanding your emissions isn’t just about staying ahead of compliance it also offers the opportunity to help identify efficiencies and remain competitive in a changing market. Carbon accounting isn’t yet business-as-usual, but it’s becoming increasingly relevant. And at the heart of it all is good data management.

What is Carbon Accounting, and why start now?

Carbon accounting is the process of measuring how much greenhouse gas (GHG) your farm emits—and how much it removes or stores. That includes emissions from fertiliser, fuel, livestock, and machinery, as well as the additional sequestration of practices like improving soil health or vegetation management. In short, it’s about tracking both what goes out and what comes back in.

So, why start now? As my colleague Dr Danielle Gale wrote in her excellent article last year (Farm Smarter, Not Harder), we’re seeing early signs of compliance requirements—from government policy to supply chain expectations. But right now, there’s still breathing room. It’s a chance to get ahead without the pressure. Some markets already offer premiums for low-emission products, and others are moving toward making carbon data a standard part of business.

But beyond preparing for external requirements, carbon accounting can offer the opportunity to better understand and analyse farm performance. Internally, here at Planfarm, we’re having exciting conversations about how this data can allow Farm Consultants and their farming clients to explore their businesses at a level that they haven’t previously. It’s not just a compliance tool—it’s providing a window into how to optimise the whole system.

With good data, you can start to break things down enterprise by enterprise, paddock by paddock. This kind of visibility gives you a clearer picture of what’s working, what’s not, and where efficiencies can be gained. It’s a smarter way to manage, make decisions, and ultimately, future-proof your farm.

What Kind of Data is Needed?

If you’re already closely tracking your farm finances or working with Planfarm  you’re probably capturing much of what’s needed for carbon accounting.

The key difference is when and how the data is collected. Recording information in real time—not months later—makes your carbon numbers more accurate, auditable, and genuinely useful. Guesswork not only weakens the analysis but can also complicate compliance down the track.

Detail matters too. Commodity-level data—by crop or stock class—lets you calculate Emissions Intensity (EI): the amount of emissions per unit of production (like kg CO₂-e per tonne of grain or kg of liveweight). EI is the figure supply chains are asking for—it levels the playing field across farm sizes and gives you a clear benchmark to improve on. Without capturing commodity-level data, you’re relying on assumptions to provide your EI.

Here are some examples of data that go beyond standard business records but are essential for robust carbon accounting and can also help drive efficiency:

Cropping

• Fertilisers & Chemicals: What was used, where, and how much?
• Fuel Use: Tracked by paddock, crop type, and machine hours.
• Management Practices: Records of soil work, amelioration, or renovations.
• Yields: Accurate data is key for calculating EI.

Livestock

• Stock Numbers: Monthly tracking of movements, births, and sales.
• Weights: At purchase, sale, and weaning.
• Grazing Records: Where, when, and how long.
• Pasture Management: Renovation, fertiliser, and improvement records.

Horticulture

• Produce Wastage: What’s lost, where, and why?
• Refrigerants: Type and volume used in cool storage.
• Power Use: Quantity and energy source (diesel, grid, solar).
• Fert/Chem Applications: Products used, frequency, and location.
• Harvest Data: Yield and block-specific results.

Better data leads to better decisions—not just for carbon, but for your whole farm. Think of it as fine-tuning your operation with a sharper set of tools.

How Do You Prepare?

Start by making data collection part of your everyday routine. It doesn’t need to be complicated it’s about building habits and choosing tools that make the job easier.

Here are some useful tech applications that can help:

• AgWorld – crop planning, inputs, and yield records.
• AgriWebb & Mobble – livestock management.
• JDLink – syncs John Deere machinery data into your records.

Choose tools that suit your operation and check in with your existing advisors—they may already have preferred systems in place that fit your workflow.

How Does It Work with Planfarm?

What sets our approach apart is that it’s completely independent. You stay in the driver’s seat. You own the data, and you decide how it’s used. That means no jumping through hoops for big supply chain partners or outside agencies—if you have the data ready, you can provide it on your own terms.

We’ve developed a practical and compliant system tailored for Australian agriculture, in collaboration with Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA). Their Environmental Accounting Platform is fast becoming the national benchmark for credible carbon reporting, and we’re proud to be part of it.

If you’re already a Planfarm consulting client, you’ve got a head start. Much of the data needed is likely already being collected. Carbon accounting just builds on your existing systems, reducing double-handling and extra admin.

And like any part of business, you don’t have to get it perfect from day one. The early years are about building habits and getting comfortable with the data. But once it’s flowing, it becomes a powerful decision-making tool.

Carbon accounting isn’t just about ticking a box it’s about understanding your business more deeply, unlocking new market opportunities, and being part of the climate solution. Start small, build over time, and know you’re not in it alone. Planfarm Terrawise is here to support you independently, transparently, and with your best interests at heart.