Yan Yan Gurt West: Carbon Neutral Sheep & Agroforestry Farm
By The Stewart family
TL;DR: A 30-year farm transformation in Australia shows how extensive tree planting and regenerative grazing can achieve near carbon neutrality and boost resilience in lamb production.
- Agroforestry and biodiverse plantings increased woody cover to 19% of the farm.
- Sequestered carbon offsets nearly all livestock emissions, approaching carbon neutrality.
- Enhanced drought resilience and reduced erosion through integrated tree systems.
- New revenue streams developed from timber, seed, and biodiversity credits.
- The farm maintains prime lamb and wool production levels.
- Strategic tree placement and climate-resilient species are crucial for success.
Why it matters: Integrating trees into livestock operations can significantly improve ecological health, create new income sources, and combat climate change, all while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Do this next: Map your farm to identify optimal areas for windbreaks, riparian zones, and silvopasture to begin integrating woody vegetation.
Recommended for: Farmers and land managers interested in practical, scalable agroforestry solutions for livestock operations and ecosystem regeneration.
The Yan Yan Gurt West farm, a 230-hectare property in the foothills of the Otway Ranges near Deans Marsh, southern Victoria, Australia, represents a 30-year transformation by the Stewart family—Jill, Andrew, Hugh, and the next generation—into a regenerative agroforestry and prime lamb production system. Originally a traditional livestock farm with minimal woody vegetation at 3% land cover, the family has planted over 55,000 trees and shrubs across 18% of the farm (42 hectares total), including 22 hectares of agroforestry belts and 20 hectares of biodiverse plantings, boosting woody cover to 19%. This integration maintains prime lamb and wool production levels while enhancing drought resilience, reducing erosion and salinity issues, and generating new revenue streams from timber sales, seed production, and biodiversity credits. Livestock emissions are offset through substantial carbon sequestration in the agroforestry systems. Practical techniques include strategic paddock tree placement, emphasizing retention of dead trees for habitat, direct seeding and tube stock establishment methods tailored to local conditions, and selection of climate-resilient native species like eucalypts and understory shrubs. Agroforestry belts are designed for dual production stability, providing shelter for livestock during extreme weather, improving microclimates for pasture growth, and facilitating natural regeneration. The farm applies regenerative practices such as holistic grazing management to cycle nutrients, minimize inputs, and build soil organic matter. Key outcomes include approaching carbon neutrality, with tree plantings sequestering enough CO2 to offset sheep-related emissions, alongside improved water retention and biodiversity supporting pollinators and wildlife. This case study offers concrete lessons for practitioners: start with farm mapping to identify windbreaks and riparian zones for tree lines; use livestock to naturally fertilize plantings via mob grazing; monitor establishment success rates (targeting 70-80% survival through weed control and feral herbivore exclusion); and diversify income by certifying carbon credits under Australian schemes. The Stewarts' approach demonstrates scalable integration without sacrificing core livestock productivity, providing a blueprint for similar temperate regions facing climate variability.