Empowering Northern Australia’s Cattle Industry: Farm to Feed Forum Insights
Farm to Feed forum producer panel, from left, Doug Murphy Claravale Station; Tony Hayes Douglas Station; Andrew Cochrane CPC Newcastle Waters; and Ben Wratten AAM Investment Group
Northern Australia’s potential to enhance cattle operations through integrated feed and fibre production was underscored during a recent industry gathering in Katherine. The Farm to Feed Forum brought together over 100 producers, researchers, and agricultural leaders, all focusing on sustainable cattle feed systems in the region.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Solutions
Hosted at the Katherine Showgrounds, the event was supported by key organizations including the CRC for Developing Northern Australia, the Northern Territory Government, and Cotton Australia among others. It provided practical insights tailored for producers in tropical climates seeking resilient agricultural solutions.
Facilitated by Simone Cameron from Cotton Australia, the program explored various alternatives to traditional feed systems, including sessions on the economics of silage and the integration of cropping into pastoral operations.
Real-World Research and Practical Solutions
The forum emphasized the importance of research that meets the distinct challenges of northern Australia. Programs like the CRCNA’s Cotton, Grains, Cattle initiative are instrumental in developing integrated systems that enhance the resilience of local producers.
Diversification: Key to Economic Resilience
According to Tony Hayne of Douglas Station, diversification is no longer an option but a necessity. “This kind of diversification builds economic resilience. After the 2011 live export ban, it became clear how vulnerable single-enterprise systems can be. Being able to grow our own feed, or engage with new markets like cottonseed, provides vital options that sustain businesses during tough periods,” he stated.
During the forum, attendees were updated on the 2025 ginning season at the Katherine Cotton Gin, which commenced this week, highlighting the Northern Territory’s expanding cotton industry. Last season, the gin processed approximately 80,000 bales, driven by strong yields from the Douglas-Daly, Katherine, and Big Rivers regions.
The Future of Cotton in Northern Australia
Susan Maas from Cotton Research and Development Corporation noted the increasing interest from producers looking to add value to their farms. “Cotton offers a fibre, feed, and seed solution that aligns well with mixed operations,” she remarked.
The forum also featured a field walk through the Katherine Research Station’s cropping trials, as well as a tour of a local cattle station to witness cropping and silage systems firsthand.
Conclusion
The Farm to Feed Forum epitomizes northern Australia’s capacity for adaptive and inclusive agriculture, effectively paving the way for future-focused agricultural practices.
Farm to Feed forum panel, from left, Susan Maas, Cotton Research and Development Corporation; Peter White, Cotton Seed Distributors; Angus MacLennan, Bayer; and Simone Cameron, Cotton Australia
This article is tailored for seamless integration into WordPress and formatted for optimal readability. Each section has been organized using appropriate HTML tags, ensuring both structure and clarity.
