PSH.1530 - Business case development - Improving the north-west cattle herd
The project area spans the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of WA, as well as the Victoria River, Katherine, and Douglas Daly regions of the Northern Territory.
| Project start date: | 30 September 2024 |
| Project end date: | 30 July 2025 |
| Publication date: | 24 June 2025 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Western Australia |
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Download Report
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Summary
The northern pastoral industry needs an integrated, sustainable management system to address climate change. This project aims to develop and test a best practice management system, combining existing research with nutritional supplements and strategic management to maximise production.
Objectives
- Collaborate with WAARC, MLA, WA DPIRD, CSIRO, NT DAF, UWA, and the Northern Hub to develop a detailed business proposition.
- Identify research and adoption priorities for the Northern WA beef production system.
- Partner with industry to develop and evaluate an 'industry best management' system for the northern pastoral industry.
- Utilise and evaluate existing and emerging technologies, including the potential role of cotton seed, in light of recent investments in cotton processing facilities in Katherine and Kununurra.
Key findings
Productivity target – 13% increase by:
- increasing weaning rate by 5%
- reducing mortality by 1%
- increasing turn-off weight by 10kg.
Financial impact:
- increase gross income by $38/Animal Equivalent (AE)
- total annual increase of $57 million for 1.5 million head.
Project cost: $13.2 million over five years
Benefit-cost ratio:
- Year five: 0.34
- Year 10: 2.07
- Year 15: 4.78
- Year 20: 8.38.
Long-term benefits: significant gains for the northern pastoral industry.
Career development: opportunities for early career scientists in the region.
Benefits to industry
A research partnership between organisations and the pastoral industry will enable the demonstration, monitoring and data collection to showcase the effectiveness of proven and new technologies.
MLA action
MLA has several key documents that shape its research priorities in collaboration with the Australian Government. These include Red Meat 2030, which outlines the industry's vision and priorities, a Strategic Plan with a five-year outlook, and an Annual Investment Plan.
Future research
The findings of this project compellingly advocate for investment in collaborative research and extension initiatives aimed at enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the northern pastoral industry.
More information
| Project manager: | Tony Parker |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | University of Western Australia |
