Intensive Agriculture

The region is at the heart of the intensive agricultural industry and grain production. Intensive animal farming accounts for nearly half of the Western Downs agricultural industry output.

Forty-two percent of the national feedlot occupancy is located within a 200km radius of Dalby.  There are currently 60 feedlots and 25 piggeries located across the Western Downs, as well as recent expansions in small species (lamb/goat) across the region.

The Dalby Regional Saleyards is the largest same-day prime and store cattle yards in Australia and the second largest selling and auctioning centre. More than 200,000 cattle are sold annually through the yards. 

The location of the Western Downs means that intensive animal businesses have the benefits of a stable temperate climate, extensive local grain production for feedlots and proximity to large meat processing plants.