- Local cotton crop by-products being examined for use as cattle feed to create new market opportunities
- Cattle arrive at the State's Kununurra research station for the first time in 25 years
- Cook Government investing in research for a sustainable northern beef industry
A $6 million research investment to future proof Western Australia's northern beef industry, led by the Cook Government, has hit the ground with the arrival of cattle at the State's Kununurra research station for the first time in 25 years.
The 54 Brahman light feeder steers, located at the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture, are a part of the Cropping Enabled Cattle project.
The innovative project will examine the use of by-products from Ord River Irrigation Area crops as cattle feed - particularly from the region's burgeoning cotton industry.
Products like cotton seed and meal, as well as corn silage and other irrigated crops, could help northern pastoralists grow out cattle and provide alternative turn-off options.
Sustainability is a key focus of the project, which will incorporate an economic analysis of the feed system and supply chains.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the project, which also includes the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration, the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.
Over the next few years scientists from DPIRD, CSIRO, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia will work alongside local producers and businesses, who helped develop the project.
The Cropping Enabled Cattle project builds on the Cook Government's efforts to grow the north through its Northern Beef Development program, horticulture and fodder crop research and development, as well as extensive investments to help establish a thriving cotton industry.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"I am excited to see how this research into new feed sources for cattle will benefit our northern pastoralists, while supporting local crop growers to use by-products and create a circular economy.
"This initiative epitomises the great work that can come from collaboration across research providers and how science-backed solutions can help drive our primary industries forward.
"These investments are part of the Cook Government's ongoing commitment to growing the north, which has paved the way to increased cotton plantings and the establishment of the Kimberley Cotton Company's cotton gin - driving new jobs and regional growth."
