Summary

The project will address research questions underpinning the intensification of irrigated crop and beef production systems in northern Western Australia (WA), particularly in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA). A central focus is to determine the extent to which feed products from irrigated cropping can contribute to local cattle finishing systems – ultimately aiming to produce a universally marketable animal and reduce reliance on live export markets.

Specifically, the project will establish a pilot cattle feeding facility using a ‘GrowSafe’ feed efficiency system and trial a range of tropical feed rations sourced from the irrigated cropping industry, including cotton by-products and corn.

Cattle performance will be assessed using growth rates, carcass composition, meat quality, along with measures of cattle well-being. An economic analysis of these systems and supply chains will also be undertaken.

As the social licence for agricultural intensification faces increasing scrutiny – particularly in environmentally sensitive regions like northern WA – the project will also review the environmental risks associated with irrigated cropping and intensive feeding systems. This includes a focus on water quality, efficient irrigation, and use of pesticides and herbicides.

In parallel, the project will conduct research on livestock methane emissions using a ‘GreenFeed’ system. This will support the development of an economically viable supply chain with a reduced environmental footprint.

 

Expected outcomes

The intermediate outcome of this work will be the development of new knowledge on feeding systems, enabling the design of optimal backgrounding and grow-out systems for cattle in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia.

The project will assess whether intensive feedlots are appropriate, economically viable and sustainable for northern WA, and will support future investment planning.

The long-term outcome will be the environmentally sustainable intensification of northern beef production systems based on affordable sources of protein that enable local processing.