Livestock & animals

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development supply chain support, research and development and rigorous biosecurity systems underpin the economic success of Western Australia’s livestock industries. In 2011/12, the WA livestock industries contributed 26% of the state’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry production, worth approximately $2 billion at the farm gate.

WA is a world leader in live exports, super fine wool production and dryland sheep and grain systems. Both cattle and sheep systems are focused on export markets to Asia and the Middle East. WA also has innovative, world-class integrated dairy and pork industries meeting local and South East Asian demand for safe, fresh milk and pork. The WA poultry industry is growing strongly as a result of increasing domestic consumption.

Global demand for high-quality, safe animal protein and products produced according to high animal welfare standards will continue to rise in coming years. Increasingly DAFWA will partner with industry -- locally, nationally and internationally -- in transformational business projects to capitalise on this demand.

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Articles

  • Merino sheep

    Katanning Research Station - Strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030

    19 January 2021

    As part of the West Australian Government’s commitment to emissions reduction and the sustainable mitigation of climate change, DPIRD identified the Katanning Research Station (KRS) as a significan

  • Beekeeper inspecting frame of developing bees

    Reporting bee pests and surveillance

    8 March 2023

    Beekeepers in Western Australia are encouraged to regularly check their hives for pests and diseases and report their findings.

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    Confined paddock feeding and feedlotting of sheep

    15 November 2013

    Confinement feeding (also referred to as lot feeding or feedlotting) is an intensive feeding system in a confined area where all, or the majority of, feed and water is supplied to the contained anima

  • Cattle IFS Research and Development Projects

    4 November 2013

    The WA Cattle Industry, via the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme provides research and development grant funding for projects that support health, welfare, production, and commerce benefits at a whol

  • A convoy of utes driving down a gravel road, with pasture on both sides.

    Climate Resilience

    23 December 2021

    Climate change is a pressing global issue that creates both challenges and opportunities for Western Australia.

  • holding hands

    Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

    8 November 2013

    The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (known as DRFAWA) commenced as of 1 November 2018 and provide a range of measures designed to help those within disaster affected communities. 

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    Animal ethics and the use of animals

    10 January 2014

    A number of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) staff members work with live animals for scientific, diagnostic and inspectorial purposes, and also as an element of fa

  • Sheep being trail fed

    Welfare decisions for sheep and cattle

    5 February 2015

    At times such as during drought, sheep and cattle are subject to dramatic loss in body condition due to reduced feed intake.

  • havester

    Dry season resources

    14 June 2017

    Western Australian agriculture experiences variability in its winter growing season (May–October): late starts, early finishes and 'dry seasons' with rainfall low enough to cause serious plant and

  • Aerial view of cropping trial in paddock

    Western Australian Farming Systems project

    7 July 2022

    The Western Australian Farming Systems project is a five-year co-investment by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Grains Research and Development Corporat

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