Considered a world first, the conference indicated that the grass roots movement for changes in agricultural practice and policy is gaining momentum and support from the industry.

Guest speakers were drawn from across Australia and included an internet cross to America to speak with Mike Walsh from the newly established Chicago Carbon Exchange.

Local guest speakers also contributed with well-known pastoralist Col Seis and Spring Ridge biological farmer Cam McKellar offering working property examples of carbon farming.

Mr McKellar told the audience that he hoped one day they would be able to “change the way the text books are written.”

A striking feature of the conference was the buzz of enthusiasm participants showed for the future of farming – an industry that has endured tough times recently.

“It is great to see young people interested in farming,” Bill Hill, farmer from Warrenbayne, Victoria said. “Some of these people are so far ahead of the game, it heightens your enthusiasm.”

Of interest to a number of farmers was the future of carbon trading and the possibility of one day making money by sequestering carbon in their soil.

Some members of the audience were still hesitant about the information provided at the conference, but believed it was worth thinking about.

After the conference on Friday evening the Carbon Cocky of the Year winners were awarded.

Locals Colin Seis from Gulgong won for the slopes and Robert and Maree Goodear from Cassilis received the joint award for Carbon Cocky from the eastern catchments.

Michael and Teresa Inwood from Bathurst were the tablelands winners and Ray and Anne Williams from Coonamble won Carbon Cocky of the Year for the Plains.