EYE ON BEEF IN THE NORTH WEST
Published Monday, 05 November, 2007 at 04:16 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said a Beef Industry Development Officer would be placed in Mount Isa to boost the industry in northern Queensland.
“The cattle and calf industry is still, even in the face of the current drought, the number one contributor to Queensland’s agricultural economy,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin made the announcement today while in Mt Isa for Community Cabinet.
“The latest DPI&F Prospects had the gross value of production of Queensland’s primary industry commodities in 2006-07 at $10.485 billion.
“In 2006-07 cattle and calves accounted for more than a third – 35 per cent – of the total GVP of Queensland’s primary industries and fisheries.
“High cattle slaughter numbers throughout 2006-2007 pushed the forecast gross value of production of Queensland’s beef industry up to around $3.625 billion.
“The north west Queensland region’s contribution to overall agriculture is estimated at more than $295 million with cattle and calves slaughtered worth more than $285 million.
“With that in mind it is absolutely crucial that we deliver across the state, including the north west, the right training and the right support for producers.’’
Key roles of the position would be:
• Coordination and delivery of the "Future Beef" extension strategy in northern Queensland.
• Supporting groups of cattle producers in the development of supply chains through the "Value in Beef" project.
• Delivering extension and training activities on improving enterprise productivity and profitability.
• Providing policy and strategy advice to DPI&F on the beef industry in northern Queensland.
• Support and facilitate the development of agricultural supply precincts in northern Queensland.
“The position will be in addition to the Department’s beef research that is conducted at Toorak Research Station at Julia Creek.
Mr Mulherin said planning also had started for DPI&F to conduct an Agribusiness Forum in the north west at the end of the wet season next year in partnership with Agforce and the Burke Shire.
“Senior Trade and Investment Officer Morgan Gronold will led the delivery of the forum which will have a focus on the beef supply chain,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The information provided will allow graziers to better target select markets and tailor cattle to market specifications providing a greater return.
“It is planned to schedule this forum as an annual event.’’
Media: 32396530
“The cattle and calf industry is still, even in the face of the current drought, the number one contributor to Queensland’s agricultural economy,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin made the announcement today while in Mt Isa for Community Cabinet.
“The latest DPI&F Prospects had the gross value of production of Queensland’s primary industry commodities in 2006-07 at $10.485 billion.
“In 2006-07 cattle and calves accounted for more than a third – 35 per cent – of the total GVP of Queensland’s primary industries and fisheries.
“High cattle slaughter numbers throughout 2006-2007 pushed the forecast gross value of production of Queensland’s beef industry up to around $3.625 billion.
“The north west Queensland region’s contribution to overall agriculture is estimated at more than $295 million with cattle and calves slaughtered worth more than $285 million.
“With that in mind it is absolutely crucial that we deliver across the state, including the north west, the right training and the right support for producers.’’
Key roles of the position would be:
• Coordination and delivery of the "Future Beef" extension strategy in northern Queensland.
• Supporting groups of cattle producers in the development of supply chains through the "Value in Beef" project.
• Delivering extension and training activities on improving enterprise productivity and profitability.
• Providing policy and strategy advice to DPI&F on the beef industry in northern Queensland.
• Support and facilitate the development of agricultural supply precincts in northern Queensland.
“The position will be in addition to the Department’s beef research that is conducted at Toorak Research Station at Julia Creek.
Mr Mulherin said planning also had started for DPI&F to conduct an Agribusiness Forum in the north west at the end of the wet season next year in partnership with Agforce and the Burke Shire.
“Senior Trade and Investment Officer Morgan Gronold will led the delivery of the forum which will have a focus on the beef supply chain,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“The information provided will allow graziers to better target select markets and tailor cattle to market specifications providing a greater return.
“It is planned to schedule this forum as an annual event.’’
Media: 32396530