Beef Science Commons^™

Nitrogen-Use Efficiency Of Irrigated Rhodes Grass In Northern Wa, Carla Milazzo, Christopher Ham, Geoff Moore

Grain and other field crops research reports

Cultivation of irrigated fodder and forage crops to intensify northern beef production in the west Kimberley and Pilbara has seen significant private investment over the past decade. To support this growing investment, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) carried out replicated, randomised trials on irrigated Rhodes grass near Broome.

High nitrogen (N) inputs are required for subtropical grasses to achieve annual growth rates of up to 40 t DM/ha and there is growing scrutiny of these systems to prevent nutrient losses to groundwater and downstream ecosystems. The research aimed to establish N (urea) response curves to five …

Pasture Data Reconciliation Of The South West Agricultural Zone Of Western Australia September 2024, Tafesse Estifanos, Amir Abadi Ghadim, Paul Mattingley, Kate Pritchett, Tony Della Bosca

Animal production and livestock published reports

Western Australia’s (WA) agricultural land use system features extensive pasture land vital for grazing sheep and cattle. Most pastures in the south west of Western Australia consist of annual species that grow during the cool, wet winters of the Mediterranean climate and senesce in the warm to hot, dry summers. Understanding the spatial distribution of pasture areas within the context of mixed farming is essential for developing effective land management strategies to enhance livestock production and profitability through balanced pasture supply and demand.

This report focuses on reconciling pasture area data for the south-west of Western Australia’s agricultural zone across …

Industry Funding Scheme Regulations: A Review Of Operation And Effectiveness, May 2021, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Section 147 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 requires the Minister for Agriculture and Food to carry out a review of the operation and effectiveness of any regulations made for the purposes of establishing an Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) every five years.

In 2010, regulations establishing three IFSs commenced to address pest and disease threats relevant to Western Australia’s broadacre and pastoral cropping and livestock sectors. This report documents the second fifth-year anniversary statutory review of the following regulations:

• Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Industry Funding Scheme (Cattle) Regulations 2010

• Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Industry Funding Scheme …

Mosaic Agriculture: A Guide To Irrigated Crop And Forage Production In Northern Wa, Geoff A. Moore Mr, Clinton K. Revell Dr, Christopher Schelfhout Dr, Christopher Ham Mr, Samuel Crouch Mr, Meredith M. Guthrie

Bulletins 4000 -

The Bulletin is a comprehensive guide for pastoralists, agronomists, agribusiness and the broader community on the growing of irrigated crops and pastures within a rangeland pastoral setting.

Dispersed irrigation developments on stations throughout the northern rangelands (sometimes referred to as mosaic agriculture) has created opportunities for the introduction of more productive forage species and pastoralists can now grow high quality forage for 12 months of the year. This can help to overcome the key constraint of traditional pastoral systems, the low quality of the feed over the dry season that typically results in stock losing condition.

Joining The Dots On Ten Key Northern Beef Futures Informing Studies, Acil Allen Consulting

Animal production and livestock published reports

This report summarises findings from 10 completed first phase studies which were selected to:

• outline constraints and opportunities at specific points in the supply chain identified by NBF
• “joining the dots” in terms of what the NBF findings mean across the whole northern beef industry.

Potential For Rangeland Grassfed Assurance Programs In Western Australia, Eric Broad

Animal production and livestock published reports

The access to large aquifers in the Pilbara region, the investment in mosaic irrigation, the global consumer demand for certified grassfed product and the need to back any branded product with an auditable assurance program were all key factors contributing to the undertaking of this project.

The project conducted a desktop review of existing global grassfed certification programs, undertook modelling to determine the projected viability for grassfed beef, engaged with producers, butchers and processors in Western Australia to determine the potential for developing a Grassfed Assurance Program for Western Australia.

All sectors of the supply chain expressed support for the …

Western Australian Wild Dog Action Plan 2016 - 2021, Wa Wild Dog Action Group, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Wild Dog Action Plan 2016 – 2021 is an industry led and driven plan that considers the economic, environmental and social impacts of wild dogs and identifies the key issues for managing them across Western Australia. The plan is designed to protect the livestock and tourism industries and public safety, and recognises the ecological and cultural values of the dingo.

New And Innovative Beef Supply Chains In Thailand, Carey Ramm

Animal production and livestock published reports

The Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) has contracted AEC Group Pty Ltd (AEC) to undertake this pre-feasibility study into the creation of new and innovative beef supply chain models in Thailand.

The purpose of this study is to consider the potential industry benefits of diverting existing live export cattle into a dedicated supply chain featuring leading technology and best management practice. A range of potential supply chain models were considered, with detailed analysis focussing on importing, holding, intensively feeding, processing and distributing Western Australian live exported cattle to Thai in-country and regional export markets.

This pre-feasibility study …

Northern Beef Infrastructure Audit: Infrastructure Plan And Business Case Summaries - Phase 4 Final Report, Acil Allen Consulting Pty Ltd

Animal production and livestock published reports

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) is leading Northern Beef Futures, a four year $15 million project funded by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, to transform Western Australia’s northern beef industry through improving markets, businesses and productivity. The Northern Beef Futures project will support the success of the beef industry to capture new market opportunities, particularly in Asia, and secure sustainable growth.

ACIL Allen Consulting (ACIL Allen) has been commissioned by DAFWA and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) to conduct an audit of infrastructure supporting the beef industry in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, referred …

Carbon Farming In Wa, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Department Of Regional Development And Lands, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

Fact sheets:

1. Applying biochar to improve soil quality and crop productivity

2. Reducing methane emissions from cattle using feed additives

3. Cattle breeding for lower greenhouse gas emissions

4. Managing genetic codes to reduce methane emissions from cattle

5. Managing pastures and stocking rate to reduce methane emissions from cattle

6. Claying as a method of increasing soil carbon content

7. Green and brown manuring as part of carbon farming

8. Permanent environmental plantings to earn carbon credits

9. Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils

10. Sheep genetics in methane reduction

11. Managing sheep pastures to reduce methane production …

Cattle Industry Biosecurity Plan, Department Of Agriculture Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

StockGuard has been initiated to develop a series of biosecurity plans for the animal industries in Western Australia. Through StockGuard, representatives from the animal industries have been working with the Department of Agriculture Western Australian to identify potential threats to each of the animal industries and to develop action plans detailing how these threats can be managed. The overall purpose of StockGuard is to highlight threats to the animal industries before they occur and to develop effective ways to minimise the potential impact of these threats.

The recommendations of the working group are based on detailed strategic assessments of the …

A Guide To Grazing Systems And Animal Production, Kylie Woodgate, Western Australian Department Of Agriculture, Australian Wool Innovation Ltd.

Bulletins 4000 -

This manual has been produced as a joint venture between the Wool and Meat Programs of Agriculture Western Australia. It is intended to provide current information on most animal production issues today. It has been modified from the current Woolpro and Prograze manuals distributed to farmers and is designed for use mainly by Agricultural Colleges and Secondary Schools teaching Agriculture. It should be used in conjunction with these manuals.

Bulletin 4422 - Exotic Diseases - Cattle, Agriculture Western Australia

Bulletins 4000 -

An exotic disease is a disease that is not present in Australia.

If an exotic disease did occur in Australia it would cause· production losses, stock deaths and stop exports of primary production. When export markets are lost they can only be re-established once it is proven the disease is eradicated

Rising Above The Herd - An Analysis Of The Western Australian Beef & Cattle Industry (Executive Summary Document), Andrew Quinn, Ashley Manners

Animal production and livestock published reports

This report has been produced at the request of the Agriculture Western Australia, Meat Program Partnership Group. The intention of the report is to set out a number of priority areas for concentrated Agency and industry attention to assist with the development of the Western Australian beef and cattle industry.

• Global per capita consumption of beef is currently flat to slowly reducing, with total consumption volumes rising in line with population and wealth increases.

• Global trade in live cattle is experiencing a slow, steady increase in volumes influenced by trade factors encouraging in-country processing and finishing of cattle, and a …

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Rising Above The Herd - An Analysis Of The Western Australian Beef & Cattle Industry, Andrew Quinn, Ashley Manners

Animal production and livestock published reports

This report has been produced at the request of the Agriculture Western Australia, Meat Program Partnership Group. The intention of the report is to set out a number of priority areas for concentrated Agency and industry attention to assist with the development of the Western Australian beef and cattle industry.

• Global per capita consumption of beef is currently flat to slowly reducing, with total consumption volumes rising in line with population and wealth increases.

• Global trade in live cattle is experiencing a slow, steady increase in volumes influenced by trade factors encouraging in-country processing and finishing of cattle, and a …

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  Go to article

Cattle Production In The Gascoyne And Interior Regions Of Western Australia; A Report On The Cunyu Demographic Study (1990-1998) And The Mt Clere Producer Demonstration Site (1993-1997), Andrew Thomson

Agriculture reports

Although Producer Demonstration Sites have been staged widely in the northern parts of Australia, the events at Cunyu and Mt Clere herald a first for such an in-depth investigation in the mulga shrub lands of Western Australia.

Land Management Report For The Kent River Catchment, Sue Kelly

Natural resources published reports

The Kent River Catchment is located in the South-West of Western Australia, approximately between latitudes 34° 15' and 35° 10' South and longitudes 116° 45" and 117° 50° East. The north-eastern boundary of the catchment stretches to the Albany Highway at Tenterden, and from there the catchment curves towards Rocky Gully before continuing to the South Coast (Figure 1.1.1). The catchment is located within the Shires of Cranbrook, Plantagenet and Denmark.

The Kent River Catchment is part of Basin 604, which is the Water Authority descriptor for the Kent, Bow and Kordabup River catchments collectively. Basin 604 has a total …

A Guide To Floodplain Cattle Fencing, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia, Main Roads, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock published reports

A seminar and workshop was held at Fitzroy Crossing in October 1993 to address the consequences of flooding to landholders and communities.

Damage to flood plain fencing was identified as one of the major concerns to landholders.

An outcome from the workshop was the decision to draw on local knowledge and collate information on options for fence and floodgate designs.

This information was to be made available to land holders and other interested parties - hence this publication.

Bulletin 4270 - Meat Quality In Beef Cattle, Brian Mcintyre

Bulletins 4000 -

Meat quality is the sole concern of the consumer once the product reaches the supermarket shelf. Breeding, feeding or any other factors that may have been important to the beef producer have no influence over the buyer's choice. Meat quality can be divided into two components — appearance and eating quality.

Miscellaneous Publication 42/93 - Development And Dissemination Of Design Methods For Rangeland Paddocks Which Maximise Animal Production And Minimise Land Degradation, Shane Cridland, Mark Stafford Smith

Animal production and livestock published reports

Surveys of rangeland resources in Western Australia to date have shown that 23% of the area surveyed is in poor range condition. Poor condition is characterised by the loss of perennial vegetation allowing wind and water erosion. Approximately another 37% is in only fair range condition (Curry and Hacker 1990).

The loss of range condition is partly due to uneven use of paddocks by sheep and cattle. The areas close to water and the preferred pasture types are often over-utilised, while areas well away from water and less preferred pasture types are under-utilised. The result is that rangeland in good, …

Bulletin No 4225 - Dairying In Western Australia, Dean Maughan

Bulletins 4000 -

Dairying in Western Australia is a small though very efficient industry. In 1989/90, 480 dairy farmers produced 266 million litres of milk for an estimated return of $84 million. The retail value of milk and dairy products was estimated to be $250 million making dairying a very significant industry in the south-west of Western Australia.

Miscellaneous Publication 33/91 - Markets For Western Australian Beef, Alan Peggs

Animal production and livestock published reports

In 1990/91 the Western Australian beef industry generated close to $172 million and was the State's third largest rural industry.

As at 31 March this year the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates the State's cattle herd at 1,651,000 head of which 108,000 head are dairy cattle. Of the beef cattle 832,000 are located in the agricultural area and 819,000 in the pastoral area.

The principal market for Western Australian beef is the domestic market. This market consumes around 65 per cent of the State's annual production. Export markets use close to 35 per cent with the principal markets being the …

Miscellaneous Publication 36/90 - Western Australian Beef Industry - Background, Alan Peggs

Animal production and livestock published reports

The Western Australian beef industry is poised to expand production in response to improved export opportunities in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

There are a number of beef processors and exporters with substantial experience in exporting beef to international markets. These companies can supply a wide range of beef products.

Most beef produced in Western Australia is grass-fed. However, grain-finished beef is produced at certain times of the year.

The beef industry has been in a period of contraction since the "beef price crash" of the mid 1970s. As a result it has come to focus more on domestic market …

Bulletin No 4191 - Inputs For Beefin, D. J. Barker, P J. May, R. G. Grieve

Bulletins 4000 -

BEEFIN is a computer model (Barker et at. 1986) that calculates profit maximizing diets for finishing cattle to a specified carcass weight and fat thickness. It predicts cattle growth, feed conversion ratio, final liveweight, number of days on feed and amount of available feedstuffs to finish the cattle to specification.

BEEFIN calculates an enterprise profit and loss budget and performs a sensitivity analysis on cattle and feed price changes. A sensitivity analysis of returns to assets, variable costs and per tonne of feed fed is also calculated.

Bulletin No 4187 - Choosing Commercial Beef Bulls, David Barker

Bulletins 4000 -

This bulletin provides a method of placing realistic differences in value on young bulls offered for sale.

The prices paid for young bulls are often based on superficial appearance alone, and this has important financial implications for the purchaser. Different characteristics have either large or small effects on the net value of progeny produced. They are dependent on such factors as: the variability of different characteristics in cattle; differences in reliability of the assessment; the extent to which the characteristic is passed on to the progeny; the effect of the characteristic on realized net value of the progeny; the effect …

Miscellaneous Publication 23/90 - The Economic Implications Of Btec Destocking Part Of The West Kimberley Cattle Herd, Bruce Howard

Biosecurity published reports

Economic implications of destocking infected breeding cows from the West Kimberley region, as part of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign (BTEC) programme, were studied to evaluate effects on herd size, turn-off, cash surpluses and herd asset value.

Bulletin No 4158 - Western Australian Beef Industry - Economic Constraints And Future Market Outlook, Alan Peggs

Bulletins 4000 -

Since the mid 1970s there has been a substantial decline in cattle numbers in Western Australia. Most of this decline has occurred in the agricultural areas.

Much of the decline in cattle numbers can be attributed to low real cattle prices.

As a result of the fall in cattle numbers beef production has also fallen. However, the percentage fall in production has been somewhat less than the percentage decline in numbers due to a rise in the average carcass weight of animals slaughtered.

With declining beef production the amount of beef available for export has also declined. Similarly domestic consumption …

The Benefits Of Weaning Cattle In The Kimberley, David Pratchett, Stuart Young

Animal production and livestock research reports

The Kimberley region was populated with Shorthorn cattle from Queensland and New Sonth Wales in the 1880's. The descendants of these cattle known as Kimberley Shorthorn are still the predominant breed in the region. The relatively poor performance of these cattle under the harsh Kimberley conditions and the fact that changing the genotype can improve productivity was recently published (Pratchett D. WADA Journal No. 4 1988)

While the adoption of Bos indicus breeds is the correct move, improved husbandry can also increase the productivity of the Kimberley Shorthorn cow. The majority of cattle in the Kimberley are not weaned. Sometimes …

Beef In Western Australia, Western Australian Department Of Agriculture

Bulletins 4000 -

Western Australia's first European settlers introduced cattle for both milk and meat soon after a permanent colony was established in 1829. From this time, most Western Australian beef was produced as a side-line of t he dairy industry.

Miscellaneous Production 23/87 - Animal Production In The Spinifex And Shrubland Regions Of Western Australia, D. Burnside

Animal production and livestock published reports

The role of the Rangeland Management Branch is to promote the sustained economic use of the rangeland resource. It provides research and extension services to the pastoral industry, provides advice on the condition of the range resource to Government and provides technical information on rangelands to other rangeland managers. A principal objective to be met in fulfilling that role is the development and promotion of economically efficient place systems that conserve the rangeland resource. At the inaugural Pastoral Soil Conservation Districts Conference in Meekatharra in May 1987, pastoralist delegates emphasized the importance of achieving that objective within the various soil …