Ruqayyah Snyder
Queensland is Australia's beef powerhouse, with the highest number of cattle in the country. In 2016, Queensland had 10.6 million head of cattle, more than twice as many as New South Wales, the state with the second-largest cattle population. Queensland's Fitzroy Basin remains the Natural Resource Management area with the most cattle in Australia, with 2.523 million head of cattle. The top ten LGAs for cattle production in Australia are all located in Queensland or the Northern Territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most cattle | Queensland |
| State with the second-most cattle | New South Wales |
| State with the least cattle | Tasmania |
| Number of cattle in Queensland | 10.6 million (as of June 2016) |
| Number of cattle in New South Wales | 5 million |
| Region with the most cattle in Australia | Queensland's Fitzroy Basin |
| Number of cattle in Queensland's Fitzroy Basin | 2.523 million (as of 2021) |
| Number of cattle in Tasmania | 650,000 |
| Number of cattle in Western Australia | 2 million |
| Number of cattle in South Australia | 1.1 million |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland: Australia's cattle powerhouse
Queensland is Australia's beef powerhouse, with the highest number of cattle in the country. In 2016, Queensland had over 10.6 million head of cattle, more than twice as many as New South Wales, the state with the second-largest cattle population. Queensland's Fitzroy Basin is the Natural Resource Management area with the most cattle in Australia, with 2.523 million head in 2021 and over 2.64 million head in 2016. The state also has seven of the top ten NRM regions for beef numbers and eight of the top 20.
Queensland's dominance in cattle production is further highlighted by the fact that all of the top ten LGAs for cattle production in Australia are either in Queensland or the Northern Territory. Nine of these Local Government Areas have cattle populations exceeding 500,000 head, with populations of over 1 million in some regions. The state also has seven LGAs where over 1 million hectares have been classified as improved pastures used for grazing, all located in Queensland.
The large cattle population in Queensland is in stark contrast to its sheep population, which is the lowest of any state or territory in Australia. Despite this, Queensland has the most animals overall when considering both cattle and sheep. The state's focus on cattle production is evident, with its cattle population far surpassing that of other states.
Queensland's position as the leading cattle-producing state in Australia is well-established, and its vast cattle numbers contribute significantly to the country's beef industry. The state's climate, grazing lands, and favourable conditions for cattle rearing have solidified its status as Australia's cattle powerhouse.
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Northern Territory: second-largest cattle state
As of June 2025, Queensland is the Australian state with the highest cattle population, followed by the Northern Territory in second place. While Queensland is known for its extensive grazing lands and cattle farming, the Northern Territory also plays a significant role in the country's cattle industry.
The Northern Territory is a vast area with diverse landscapes, including tropical grasslands and savannas, which provide ideal conditions for cattle grazing. The region has a long history of cattle farming, with many stations and properties dedicated to cattle production. The industry is an important contributor to the territory's economy, culture, and way of life.
The territory is home to approximately 1.7 million cattle, according to the latest estimates. This makes it the second-largest cattle-producing state in Australia, after Queensland. The industry is predominantly focused on beef production, with a large proportion of the territory's cattle being bred for meat rather than dairy. The extensive land available in the territory provides ample grazing opportunities, and the industry is well-suited to the region's climate and terrain.
The Northern Territory's cattle industry is largely export-oriented, with a significant proportion of the territory's beef production being shipped to international markets. The region's proximity to Asia has made it a key supplier of beef to countries in that region, and the Northern Territory has developed a reputation for producing high-quality, grass-fed beef that is sought after in both domestic and international markets.
To support the industry, the Northern Territory has a well-established network of cattle stations, transport infrastructure, and meat processing facilities. The industry is also a significant employer in the region, providing jobs in rural and remote areas, and contributing to the development and sustainability of these communities.
In conclusion, while Queensland may lead the way in terms of cattle numbers, the Northern Territory is a close second and is an important player in Australia's cattle industry. With its unique landscape, favorable climate, and dedicated infrastructure, the territory is well-positioned to continue contributing to the country's cattle production and supplying quality beef to both domestic and international consumers.
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Western Australia: Rangelands NRM region
Queensland is the Australian state with the most cattle, with 10.6 million head of cattle recorded in 2016. Western Australia, the state with the second-largest cattle population, had 2 million cattle, including the Rangelands NRM region, which accounted for 1.11 million head.
The Rangelands NRM region occupies about 80% of Western Australia, covering 2.2 million square kilometres. The region is characterised by its vast landscapes, which include shrublands and pastoral stations for grazing livestock. The environment is highly variable, with rainfall being a key driver of ecological communities and economic production. The Kimberley region, for example, experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid summer and a short transitional period.
The Rangelands NRM region is also significant for its cultural and Indigenous heritage. The region is traversed by ancient songlines, holding deep spiritual and cultural importance for First Nations communities. Additionally, the Western Australian rangelands encompass a diverse range of landscapes, including the southern rangelands, situated south of the Pilbara region and between the southwest agricultural region and the arid interior. This area is characterised by shrublands and encompasses the Gascoyne, Murchison, and Goldfields-Nullarbor regions.
The Western Australian government has implemented initiatives to improve the management of pastoral land and enhance economic opportunities. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development plays a crucial role in providing information and frameworks to balance land condition and economic pursuits. The Rangelands NRM region is a vital component of Western Australia's agriculture and cultural landscape, offering a range of benefits beyond pastoralism, such as tourism, ecological services, and mining.
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New South Wales: Central West region
Queensland is Australia's beef powerhouse, with more than twice as many cattle as New South Wales, the state with the second-largest cattle population. In 2020, Queensland's share of Australia's cattle herd was 45 percent.
However, within New South Wales, the Central West region stands out for its significant cattle population. With a total of 705,000 head of cattle, it is the largest cattle-producing region in the state. This region's contribution to New South Wales' overall cattle industry is substantial, helping the state maintain its position as a key player in Australian beef production.
The Central West region's success in cattle farming is notable, especially considering the challenges posed by drought in Australia. While the trend towards a northern shift in beef production has been curbed by drought conditions, the Central West region continues to be a vital hub for cattle farming in New South Wales.
The region's cattle industry benefits from the adoption of advanced technologies, such as virtual fencing, which New South Wales has recently legalised. This innovation, alongside other advancements in agtech, showcases the region's proactive approach to cattle management and its commitment to utilising modern solutions to optimise production and maintain its prominent position in the Australian cattle landscape.
In conclusion, while Queensland dominates Australia's cattle industry, New South Wales, and specifically the Central West region, holds a significant position in cattle farming. The region's resilience and adoption of modern techniques contribute to its success and prominence within the state and the country.
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Tasmania: North and Northwest regions
Queensland is Australia's beef powerhouse, with 45% of the country's cattle herd in 2020, which is more than twice the number in the next largest state, New South Wales. Queensland's Fitzroy Basin is the Natural Resource Management area with the most cattle in Australia, with 2.523 million head of cattle.
However, if we shift our focus to Tasmania, we find that it has the lowest share of the cattle herd among all Australian states, with only 3% in 2020. Nonetheless, let's delve into the North and Northwest regions of Tasmania, which have notable cattle populations.
Tasmania's cattle population of 650,000 head is primarily concentrated in these two regions. The North region is home to approximately 303,000 head of cattle, while the Northwest region supports a similar number, with around 301,000 head. These regions, with their lush pastures and suitable climate, contribute significantly to Tasmania's cattle industry.
The North and Northwest regions of Tasmania play a vital role in the state's agricultural sector. The climate in these regions is temperate, providing favourable conditions for cattle grazing. The fertile lands offer abundant grass and fodder for the herds, contributing to the health and productivity of the cattle.
Additionally, these regions have a long history of cattle farming, with established infrastructure and skilled farmers. The geography of these areas also lends itself well to cattle rearing, with rolling hills and open plains providing ample space for the animals to roam and graze. The rivers and water sources in these regions ensure a steady supply of water for the cattle, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland has the most cattle in Australia, with 45% of the country's cattle herd in 2020.
Queensland's Fitzroy Basin is the largest region for cattle in Queensland, totalling 2.523 million head in 2021.
The Northern Territory has the second-largest cattle population in Australia, with 2.23 million head in 2016.
