Better Beef Forum Brings the WA Northern Ag Industry Together
In mid-June, around 75 producers, suppliers, station staff, local businesses, industry leaders, government representatives and members of the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce gathered in Kununurra for the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association (KPCA) Better Beef Forum.
Made possible through the support of the Northern Hub and funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund, the forum was offered at a heavily subsidised rate, making it accessible to a broad cross-section of the northern beef industry. The strong attendance reflected the industry's commitment to sharing knowledge, strengthening networks and building a more resilient future.
The two-day program delivered a diverse range of presentations and discussions focused on the issues shaping northern beef production. Industry updates from KPCA, the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Northern Hub set the scene before delegates explored topics including fodder production, supplementary feeding strategies, increasing productivity, and building resilient production systems in the north-west.
Attendees also heard the latest developments in Kimberley meat processing opportunities, workforce attraction and retention, advances in animal health and welfare, the value of data-driven decision-making, and emerging opportunities in natural capital.
A highlight of the forum was the interactive panel discussions, which generated valuable conversations around irrigated forage and fodder production, supplementary feeding and the role of cottonseed as a feed source. Presentations from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), including updates on vaccine research and development, were well received, while discussions around industry advocacy reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong and united voice with government.
Delegates also took part in an industry tour of the Kimberley Cotton Gin and Cotton Seed Baling Facility, gaining first-hand insight into the region's expanding cotton industry and its growing potential to support northern livestock enterprises.
Overall, the 2026 Better Beef Forum was a success, delivering practical information, encouraging open and constructive discussion, and providing attendees with valuable insights they can take back to their businesses.
Organiser Mel McDonald, KPCA & Northern Hub Manager said ‘Thank you to all pastoralists and others who contributed to format and topics, and helped to pull the forum together. It was great to see so much engagement, indepth questioning and enthusiastic networking throughout the 3 sessions. The positive feedback, especially from the pastoralists who attended, show the value of these events”.