Kimberley and Pilbara RD&E program: Phase 1

Summary

The pastoral industry survey of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia was conducted to gain a better understanding of industry management practices and performance. The survey data in conjunction with more detailed data from an associated business benchmarking project in these regions will assist the development of the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia's and Meat and Livestock Australia's research, development and extension activities in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
The survey also provides a useful baseline to determine the effectiveness of future programs. The survey was conducted between July and December 2010 via face to face interviews with producers in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. The survey team interviewed 77 businesses from the two regions which represents more that 60% of the commercial cattle enterprises. The survey covered topics of business ownership and management, production and herd management, grazing and land management, and extension and training. The survey recorded a wide range of results, with responses varying both within and between districts, and between the various classes of businesses (privately-owned, corporate, indigenous etc).
The survey will benefit the Kimberley and Pilbara pastoral industry by enabling research and development agencies to better match programs to industry needs. Through the integration of the survey information with more detailed business level information from the benchmarking project it will be possible to identify the major issues that influence the profitability and sustainability of the industry. A research, development and extension (RD&E) program has been developed by Meat and Livestock Australia and the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia which aims to address the sub-optimal production and financial performance of Kimberley and Pilbara cattle businesses.
​ The need for accurate data on management practices and production and financial performance for the regions was addressed by conducting a pastoral industry survey and establishing two producer benchmarking groups.  The analyses of the survey results and the producer group data were used to identify issues which are constraining the financial and environmental sustainability of the industry.  Recommended RD&E strategies include targeting improved financial and herd performance, lessening the dependence on the Indonesian live export market, improved genetics, promoting the importance of grazing land management and managing the impacts of failed growing seasons in the Pilbara