Beef cattle

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 WA 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 Primary Industries and Regional Development's current focus is on new and diversified market opportunities for WA live cattle exports and beef products. The department provides support to develop enduring supply chain relationships through effective communication, business model change and market development.

Articles

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    Resources, tools and calculators for cattle and grazing management

    2 May 2024

    These tools, calculators and resources are designed to help producers manage their cattle more effectively and make better management decisions about feed budgeting and grazing.

  • Cattle in a dry field

    Feeding cattle in a dry autumn

    8 May 2024

    Senesced dry pasture will be below the energy and protein requirements for maintenance of all classes of cattle and supplementary feed must be provided to maintain their condition score.

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    Managing the beef breeder herd in southern Western Australia

    18 February 2014

    Kilograms of beef produced per hectare is a significant driver of profit for a beef business. Cow longevity (length of productive life) plays an important role in achieving a profitable business.

  • beef cattle

    Southern beef - dry season management

    16 April 2024

    South West cattle producers and small landholders are being affected by an extended dry season where available annual pasture and feed reserves are being depleted.

  • Feeling the short ribs of a heifer in order to assess body condition.

    Live cattle assessment

    10 December 2013

    Cattle producers regularly make visual assessments of their cattle.

  • Cow leading her calf through a raceway.

    Breeder and heifer management for rangeland cattle

    13 December 2013

    This section contains information relating to breeder and heifer management for rangeland cattle. Topics covered include body condition score, heifer management and breeder management.

  • State Barrier Fence with the installation of lap wire which has upgraded the fence to wild dog standard

    State Barrier Fence overview

    16 January 2014

    The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) provides the authority for regulations to be made for the erection and maintenance of barrier fences as a means of controlling

  • Photo caption: The Pasture condition guide for the Kimberley includes information for pastoralists on the 17 most common pasture types throughout the Kimberley.

    Pasture condition guide for the Kimberley, Western Australia

    27 March 2014

    This pasture condition guide can be used from the web pages or by downloading the linked documents.

  • 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.

  • Lamboo Station, Aerial 4 - cattle moving

    Northern Beef Development

    20 August 2014

    The Northern Beef Development program aims to support the Western Australian northern beef industry to become more profitable, resilient, and sustainable.

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