Best Use of Australian Land

How livestock makes the best use of available land in Australia

Some people wonder whether land used for livestock in Australia should be used to grow crops instead. Well, because this country has unique geological, topographic, and climatic factor, just 3% of Australia’s agricultural land is suited to cropping.

Much of the continent consists of semi-arid areas and extensive rangelands – non-arable land that doesn’t suit crops. So much of the 50% of Australia’s land mass (over 4.2 million square kilometres) used by the red meat industry is really only suited to livestock.

In addition, most feed that livestock eat is inedible by humans. 

Around 86% of plant materials fed to livestock globally are lower value by-products that do not meet human consumption standards. Cattle, sheep and goats, however, can convert this grass and other plants with low nutrient value into high-quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that humans can enjoy as part of a balanced diet.

"For our land here, the best thing we can be doing is raising beef and lamb."

But wouldn’t land used for livestock be better used for cropping to grow food? 

Only 8% of Australia’s land mass is suitable for cropping*. Most of our land mass cannot support any other food production than red meat. Most feed that livestock eat is inedible by humans. Around 86% of plant materials fed to livestock globally are lower value byproducts that do not meet human consumption standards**. Cattle, sheep and goats then convert this grass and other plants with low nutrient value into high quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that humans can digest.