Impact report: Business on Country - demonstrating feasibility of developing high-value products from low-value herds on Aboriginal lands - Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia

Summary

This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: AT.4.2021030 Business on Country – demonstrating feasibility of developing high-value products from low-value herds on Aboriginal lands. The project translated strategic planning into practical Indigenous-led enterprise development on Cape York, demonstrating the commercial potential of transforming low-value feral cattle into a premium ethical bush beef enterprise, while also exploring innovative uses for feral animal biomass.

The assessment outlines key project outcomes, including new commercial partnerships, strengthened Indigenous business capability, including annual market opportunities for Normanby Bush Beef. It also examines the project’s broader contribution to Indigenous economic development, land management and future opportunities for scaling Indigenous-owned enterprises across northern Australia.

Business on Country – Demonstrating feasibility of developing high value products from low value herds on Indigenous land

Remote Indigenous-owned cattle and feral animal resources represent a significant but often underutilised economic opportunity across northern Australia. Building on CRCNA’s Activating the Indigenous estate – Baseline study of agricultural capacity, this project explored how low-value feral cattle and pigs on Indigenous land could be transformed into commercially viable products that support economic, environmental and cultural outcomes. Led by Indigenous organisations on Cape York, the project tested two business models: Normanby Bush Beef, a premium ethical meat enterprise using feral cattle, and Feraliser, a soil bio-stimulant produced from feral pigs and cattle. Through practical trials, market testing and business development activities, the project examined production systems, logistics, market demand, regulatory requirements and business readiness. The project demonstrated a viable pathway for the development of Normanby Bush Beef, establishing commercial partnerships, validating demand from premium hospitality markets and creating a scalable model for Indigenous-owned enterprise development. Feraliser showed technical promise and market potential, while identifying further research and development needed before commercialisation. The project also delivered practical tools to support future Indigenous enterprise growth, including business benchmarking and mentoring frameworks, marketing resources and operational guidance. Collectively, the outcomes provide a foundation for Indigenous-led enterprises that align economic opportunity with land management, cultural governance and environmental stewardship across northern Australia.