Maximising Efficiency and Performance: A northern Australian beef producer perspective on best practices for pre-entry cattle management and preparation

This report presents the findings of the author’s global exploration of diverse agricultural enterprises and highlights the identification of a focus on leveraging minute efficiencies to enhance business optimality, performance and sustainability. The author’s belief in the statement that ‘from little things, big things grow’ was repetitively reinforced as the principle that small, incremental improvements can collectively yield significant gains, was dissected from agricultural mastery being practiced across the globe. Through a comprehensive analysis of best practice cattle management, this author reveals that even marginal enhancements of 1% can have a profound impact on overall productivity, market competitiveness and business sustainability. The difference between these efficiencies could very well be the deciding influence on which of Australia’s beef producers thrive into the future.

The Australian beef industry is poised for significant growth, with demand for beef protein projected to increase by up to 15% in 2030 (ABARES, 2022). The Red Meat 2030 strategic plan, coinciding with Australia’s commitment to United Nations sustainable development goal timeframe of 2030, highlights strategic priorities for building industry capacity to remain profitable whilst accommodating to volatile climatic, societal and economic variabilities.  With the Australian population meant to reach 30 million between 2029 and 2033, an estimated 11.9% increase (Australian Bureau of Statistics), Australian beef producers are challenged to implement best practices that optimise their feed consumptions, engage a continuous commitment to the improvement of animal welfare standards and minimise cost inefficiencies to drive profitability across the entirety of the beef supply chain.

Backgrounding cattle to ensure preparedness for feedlot entry is a crucial step in the Australian beef production process as over 50% of beef production nationally (MLA, 2022) and up to 70% globally (Rayner, 2022) is comprised of grain-fed livestock. By proactively backgrounding cattle, producers can ensure their market access with a consistent supply of high-quality products that are well-suited to feedlot environments. By investing time and resources into backgrounding practices, producers can reap the benefit of broadened and sustainable market access and suitability.

Northern Australian beef producers, in emphasis, face a unique set of challenges in preparing cattle for optimal efficiency and performance in market, to include, but not limited to:

• Remote geographical locations and logistical constraints;
• Volatile climatical and environmental conditions;
• Biosecurity and disease management concerns;
• Market volatility and fluctuated demand;
• Regulatory compliance and certification requirements; and
• Limited access to capital and resources.

In response to these challenges, this report advocates for innovative and meticulous approaches to cattle management, emphasizing the need for Northern Australian beef producers to adopt a paradigm of continuous improvement, innovation and optimisation. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on beef production productivity and market access, offering actionable insights and recommendations for stakeholders seeking to optimise their cattle management practices and navigate the increasing complexities of modern market entry, demand and satisfaction. A particular emphasis is placed on the critical factors influencing successful backgrounding of cattle for optimised market access, including genetic selection, precise nutritional preparation, correct education of livestock, disease prevention and management, and acclimation to feedlot conditions.