Options to value add cattle will be explored by Wurrkaja Aboriginal Corporation this week when Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development officers guide participants on a field tour of Midwest backgrounding operations and cattle studs.
Wurrkaja Aboriginal Corporation (AC) owns and runs Ullawarra Station, which is located about 150 kilometres west of Paraburdoo and 210 kilometres south east of Onslow, in the Pilbara.
Department Aboriginal Business Development project development officer Tony Gray will lead the tour, comprising about eight members of Wurrkaja AC and department staff.
Mr Gray said the activity was part of the department’s integrated approach to build a stronger agriculture and food sector in WA’s north, supporting the northern beef sector and economic prosperity for regional communities.
“Wurrkaja directors requested a field tour of Midwest backgrounding operations and cattle studs before its 2018 mustering to improve their understanding of marketing opportunities for their cattle,” he said.
“Backgrounding in the agricultural region of WA can improve marketing and finishing opportunities, providing better access to live export markets and opportunities for grain producers in the south of the State to feedlot cattle for entry into southern domestic processors.
“Wurrkaja successfully applied for a Business Improvement Grant from the department, which provided reimbursement of up to $10,000 to engage a consultant.
“Working with Ullawarra’s management team, the consultant reviewed the financial performance of the business and updated its business plan.
“The corporation is now focused on increasing marketing opportunities and value, which makes timely the visit to feedlots and backgrounders in the Midwest to investigate options to value add their cattle.
“The tour will take in Yallalie Downs, an Aboriginal-run property near Moora, to enable participants to see how young Indigenous pastoralist Lexi Mourambine manages the backgrounding business.
“Yallalie recently invested in its pastures and infrastructure to allow cattle to be efficiently backgrounded.”
Mr Gray said the condition of Ullawarra had steadily improved in recent years under Wurrkaja’s management and the department had assisted progress.
In 2009, Wurrkaja’s priority was to improve the infrastructure on Ullawarra through the replacement and upgrade of fences, stock yards and water points.
During this time, the cattle herd increased to about 300 shorthorn-based breeders, with a limited number of Brahman and Charbray bulls introduced in recent years.
Since 2015, the focus has been on establishing a polled herd.
The Midwest field trip is scheduled from 24 to 27 June.
Media contacts: Megan Broad/Dionne Tindale, DPIRD media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937