Agriculture

Agriculture is at the heart of the Western Downs economy and not just because it employs the largest Western Downs workforce.  

Agriculture is a founding pillar of our economy and continues to hold its place with a longstanding reputation for being resilient, sustainable and modern, earning the Western Downs its place as one of Queensland's largest producer of beef, pork, sorghum, wheat, oats, barley and mung beans.

It’s no coincidence the industry is thriving, given the fact the Western Downs holds some of Queensland’s most productive and resource rich soils to support broad acre farming and livestock production. More than 50% of the agricultural land in the region is classified as strategic cropping land.  

Beyond crops, the Western Downs’ beef production is the largest economic contributor to the agricultural sector, with almost one-quarter of Queensland’s beef producing properties located in the Western Downs.  

The numbers reflect this – each year approximately 200,000 cattle are sold through the Dalby Regional Saleyards, making it the largest same-day prime and store cattle yards in Australia.  

Agriculture is accessible with the Western Downs thanks to a road, rail and air network, which enables connectivity to both domestic and international markets, agricultural machinery, supplies and support services.  

Hear from a local business: Tara Rural Supplies