September Newsletter: Science direct to the front gate

More Data. More Landscapes.

The Next Biomass Model Is Taking Shape

Work is progressing on the next Cibo Labs pasture biomass model, with more than 10,000 field transects set to underpin the next generation of pasture biomass estimates.

Our current model went live in the Australian Feedbase Monitor in June 2025 and PastureKey in October 2025, trained using 7,500 field transects collected across Australia from 2021 onwards.

Since then, we haven’t stopped collecting data.

Building a Bigger, More Diverse Dataset

More than 2,600 additional calibration records have now been added from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and South America.

That includes 2,230 transects across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 500 bare-ground sites helping to better anchor the model at zero biomass. Historical data from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania dating back to 2018 has also been added.

Beyond our shores, another 260 sites from the USA and 120 from South America are giving the model greater context across different pasture systems, landscapes and growing conditions.

What Does That Mean for Producers?

More data across more environments gives us the opportunity to strengthen the model across a wider range of conditions, both here in Australia and internationally.

It’s another step in the continuous improvement behind the pasture insights producers use through Cibo Labs.

We’ll be sharing the validation results and planned release window as the new model is finalised, stay tuned!

👉 Explore the history of Cibo Labs pasture biomass model updates

Navigating EPBC Act Changes: Practical Takeaways from the AgForce Roadshow

On 14 September, Cibo Labs attended the first AgForce EPBC Roadshow in Durong, alongside producers, industry leaders and representatives from the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) attempting to unpack what recent federal environmental law reforms mean on the ground for our customers and thhe wider agriculture sector.

Understanding the impact of the legislation and how we can use our expertise and tools to support producers and growers to interpret and self-assess against the EPBC with the objective of managing our land within each operational context and considering how changes to the operation could be restricted or require approval before being commenced.

Reducing changes to day-to-day land management whilst also looking after our well-managed ecosystems is becoming increasingly important for productive and sustainable businesses and landscapes.

Key Takeaways for Producers

One of the key topics was the 15-year vegetation change rule, where vegetation has not been managed within the last 15 years potentially no longer qualifying for the “continued use” exemption,

Reviewing the new EPBC mapping layers utilising the Protected Matter Search Tool(PMST) to identify areas of significant concern for both flora and fauna is key to understanding the impact to your operation. For Queenslanders specifically considering where Category X land under State Property Maps of Assessable Vegetation (PMAVs) may be covered by additional layers under the national act.

👉You can use the Australian Feedbase Monitor (AFM) - FarmKey Record to map and access your polygon for upload in the PMST, take a look how here.

Keeping good records - a crucial theme, recording details about the land before and after completing land management activities assists self assessment, pre and post referral. Geolocated and timestamped photographs alongside aerial maps of vegetation change.

👉Use the Australian Feedbase Monitor (AFM) or PastureKey (backprocessing for higher resolution mapping) via the Cibo Labs dashboard to snapshot the change activities in your landscape and identify woody vegetation change.

Self-assessment and understanding the referral process

Understanding your current and planned land management activities, the location of these activities in proximity to matters of significance on your property will determine whether you require further advice from the national EPA via pre-referral meeting.

If you are not managing land differently to how you have been in the past, keeping within the time periods for continual use, have new matters of significance like threatened or endangered species, within the Great Barrier Reef Catchment or changing your operational activities and land use in anyway the risk is quite low and may not need a referral at all.

👉 Want to get started and Self-Assess? Utilise the National EPA Farmer Guide to begin.

How Cibo Labs Can Assist - Digital tools can provide a practical starting point...

The Australian Feedbase Monitor and PastureKey can help provide polygons and insights to analyse historical vegetation trends and ground cover dynamics. Whilst our upcoming products in LandLens and Farm Assessment for EPBC will be able to provide additional support to your self-assessment and referral process.

Whilst we continue to develop EPBC specific tools in the meantime if there is anything you need help with in relation to EPBC where you think we could help reach out via email to assess@cibolabs.com.au

Image below; MLA Program Manager Al Hawkesford showcasing the AFM, a free, MLA supported tool providing livestock producers access to historical biomass and vegetation data.