AGRICULTURE
Resilient, sustainable & thoroughly modern
Agriculture underpins the Western Downs economy and there is no doubt that we owe much of our wealth to successful farms and food producers. Our key agricultural outputs include cotton, grain, beef, pork and chickpeas. Aiding the region’s food capability are the region’s research facilities, including the University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Agriculture and the Environment which focuses on developing solutions for a sustainable and profitable future for the rural sector. BEEF: The Western Downs is home to nearly 25% of Queensland’s beef-producing properties with 42% of the nation’s feedlot capacity located within a 200km radius from Dalby. We are proud to house the nation’s second largest sale yards which sells around 200,000 head of cattle each year. THE BEEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFERS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND JOBS The beef supply chain in the Western Downs includes beef backgrounding properties used to raise cattle on grass prior to finishing. Then we have grass finishing properties and feedlots which each require specialist knowledge. In addition, our beef producers require the services of livestock transport, beef processing, agricultural services and technology. STANBROKE BEEF: Stanbroke Beef sources the finest Japanese Wagyu genetics then raises cattle on natural grasses before moving them to a tailored long-fed grain program at Stanbroke’s Chinchilla based feedlot. This combination ensures the exceptional flavour, high marbling and tenderness that Wagyu beef is famous for. GRASSLAND GOATS: With around 12,000 head on their Moonie property, Grassland Goats currently provides 80 to 120 carcasses to market each week. They also keep a stud herd for breeding. CONDABILLA FISH: Producing exquisite expert quality Murray Cod, Condabilla Fish Farm is also one of the most sustainable and ethical aquaculture farms in the country. Located at Chinchilla, the farm utilises floodwaters from the Condamine River to fill its ponds and grow fish from fingerlings to market. 22 LIVE WESTERN DOWNS 2021
