The Western Australian beef herd consists of approximately two million head, half of which free range on extensive pastoral stations in the northern rangelands while the remainder roam the lush pastures of the agricultural region of the south and south-west of the state.

In 2011/12 the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated the gross value of beef production in Western Australia at $517 million. The state exported some 220 000 live cattle valued at $154 million in addition to 99 000 tonnes of boxed beef products worth $68 million in 2012.  

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia’s (DAFWA) current focus is on new and diversified market opportunities for Western Australian live cattle exports and beef products. DAFWA provides support to develop enduring supply chain relationships through effective communication, business model change and market development.