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

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
State Barrier Fence effectiveness surveys

17 January 2014

A grower suvey and benefit cost analysis on the State Barrier Fence has demonstrated the positive impact the fence is having on wild dog management.
Preventing calf scours in beef herds

28 November 2013

‘Calf scours’ is when young calves develop diarrhoea and become dehydrated. The scour can be white, yellow, grey or blood-stained, and is often foul-smelling.
Photosensitisation in livestock

11 December 2013

Photosensitisation is inflammation of the skin, and occasionally the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye.
Botulism in cattle

28 November 2013

Botulism is a rapid onset, usually fatal disease caused by the botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.