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

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.
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.
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
State Barrier Fence overview

16 January 2014

Western Australia's State Barrier Fence plays an important role in preventing animal pests such as wild dogs from moving into the State's agricultural areas from pastoral areas in the east.
Climate change and broadacre livestock production

31 March 2016

Climate change will affect livestock production in the agricultural areas of Western Australia in different ways, with some regions and enterprises benefiting and some not.
Copper deficiency in sheep and cattle

22 July 2014

Copper is an essential trace element for animals needed for body, bone and wool growth, pigmentation, healthy nerve fibres and white blood cell function.
Cobalt deficiency in sheep and cattle

22 July 2014

All ruminants (including sheep, cattle and goats) require cobalt in their diet for the synthesis of vitamin B12.
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.
Grain overload, acidosis, or grain poisoning in stock

2 December 2013

Grain overload is also known as acidosis or grain poisoning.
Photosensitisation in livestock

11 December 2013

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