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 R4R projects

11 December 2013

Big improvements in wild dog management and agricultural pest animal control resulted from funding through the WA Government's Royalties for Regions program.
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
Johne’s disease (cattle strain) cattle import conditions for Western Australia - from 1 July 2021

5 March 2021

The following import conditions for entry of cattle into Western Australia will apply from 1 July 2021.
Managing blue-green algae on farms in Western Australia

2 December 2014

Blue-green algae are a group of algae including Nodularia spumigena, Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabaena circinalis.
State Barrier Fence Esperance extension update

8 January 2014

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has commenced the extension of the State Barrier Fence eastwards from its current termination point near Ravensthorpe, extendin
Livestock identification and movement: cattle and buffalo

14 January 2014

Identification of livestock is required by law under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013 [BAM (IMSA) Regulations].
Johne's disease (JD) in cattle: management in Western Australia

25 November 2013

Johne’s disease (JD) is a chronic incurable infectious disease that affects cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, alpaca and deer.
Johne's disease (JD) in cattle: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

12 October 2021

These frequently asked questions provide information on the regulation and management of Johne's disease (JD) in cattle in Western Australia.
Regulatory controls for Johne's disease (JD) in cattle in Western Australia

12 October 2021

This webpage outlines the history of Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle regulation in Australia and changes to current regulation in Western Australia.
SMS livestock surveillance networks

17 September 2018

Cattle producers in the shires of Albany, Denmark and Plantagenet in Western Australia and sheep producers in the shires of Esperance and Ravensthorpe are invited to participate in local surveillan