The methodology used to measure the impact of cattle on climate change is being disputed:

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The livestock industry says the standard method of calculating the global warming contribution of methane significantly overstates the impact of cattle and is calling for policy changes that could slash the emissions counted against the industry.

While some scientists are backing the proposed change, others argue it could lead to an overly optimistic assessment of the climate change contribution of the industry, which committed in 2017 to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

Livestock are the main contributor to agriculture sector emissions. Cows' gassy burps are loaded with methane, a byproduct of digesting grass. Last year agriculture emissions accounted for 12.9 per cent of Australia's total greenhouse gas output, down 5.8 per cent as farmers reduced their stock due to drought.