Page 60 of Stockman's Stormcloud

‘Face facts, boys, it’ll take a few years to have cattle grazing in certain areas again,’ said Ryder. ‘So while we have ex-grazing land being regenerated by Cap and Mia, it fits the carbon scheme perfectly and gives the market exactly what they’re looking for.’

Cap frowned. ‘You mean those big mining companies who ruin the environment, or big coal producers who spew smoke into the air—’

‘Who have the money to buy the carbon credits on dirt that we’ve got sitting out there?’ Ryder pointed to the dry fields.

‘Oi.’ Dex waved his hand in the air, cutting everyone off from the heated debate. He missed this, and the coffee. ‘Let’s vote. All those in favour of applying to sell carbon credits—’

‘For the short term, to revisit this option each year,’ butted in Cap.

‘Raise your hands.’

It was unanimous.

‘So, does that make us carbon farmers?’ Ash screwed his nose up.

‘For the moment.’ Ryder tapped away on his tablet.

‘What about the reservoir?’ Dex asked. ‘Anyone got any complaints with that?’

‘I think it’s a great idea,’ said Cap. ‘You’ll just be rebuilding the turkey nests?’

‘Yep. I’m looking at rebuilding them all, paddock by paddock. It’ll save us on the wear and tear for the use of the bores. And cleaning troughs.’

‘Now that’s music to my ears,’ said Ash.

‘Are you ready for that?’ Ryder pointed to Dex’s oxygen bottle.

‘Give me a few days.’ Less if Dex had his way.

‘Besides ticking off the neighbours, why do you suddenly want to work on your paddock?’ Ryder asked bluntly.

‘Besides baling that grass for fodder, I’d grow…’ Dex inhaled as much as he could, no longer wincing at the niggling rib. ‘Hemp.’

Ryder frowned at him.

Ash grinned. ‘We all know you don’t mind the wacky tobaccy.’

‘Wait.’ It was Cap’s turn to block the comebacks. ‘There are some brilliant uses for hemp.’

‘So I was told.’

‘By whom?’ Ryder asked over his coffee mug.

Dex said nothing.

Ryder said it for him. ‘Bree.’

‘This is good.’ Cap nodded with enthusiasm as he slurped onhis coffee.

‘Says the greenie at the table,’ muttered Ash.

‘Why hemp?’ Ryder asked bluntly.

‘Not only is it used for oils and food, but hemp also makes bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel,’ explained Cap. ‘Hemp is being used as a substitute plastic for cars, trains, planes and aerospace projects.’

‘I’m asking Dex, why do you want to grow hemp in your paddock?’ Ryder asked.

‘Because it’s a quick-growing crop that is perfect for that soggy paddock. Do you agree, Cap?’

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