The wheatbelt is Western Australia’s most significant farming region for meat, wool, eggs and milk production. Other emerging industries include a camel dairy and ostrich farming.
The livestock industry has experienced strong growth in the wheatbelt, increasing in gross value by over $135 million between 2007 and 2012.
The wheatbelt, in particular the central coast sub-region, is well situated as a prominent supplier to international markets due to its close proximity to Perth, easy access to Fremantle and Geraldton ports, key transport routes, climate suitability and significant groundwater resources.
Meat production is currently the second largest commodity in the Wheatbelt, representing 11% of total agricultural gross value in 2011-12 (31.4% of the State total).
In 2006 the Avon Sub-region produced over $62 million in gross livestock slaughter production.
The wheatbelt contributed 43% of WA’s livestock products including whole milk, eggs and wool in 2011-12.
The central east and central midlands sub-regions combined, produced $80.8 million in livestock products (mostly wool) in 2010/11.
Wheatbelt major livestock meat production in 2011-12 included $49.4 million beef/veal, $265.3 million lamb/mutton, $1.0 million chicken and $1.1 million goat.
In 2006, the Wheatbelt contributed 50.75% of WA’s total sales of pigs and piglets.
The central midlands sub-region produced over $50 million in livestock disposals (meat production) in 2010-11.
In 2010/11 there were over 50,000 head of cattle in the wheatbelt south sub-region, almost exclusively comprised of meat cattle breeds.
- Wheatbelt Development Commision.
