Low-emission beef production in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia: an analysis of herd structure and stocking rate experiencing droughts

Abstract

Reconciling profitable cattle production with rangeland health and reduced emissions is a key challenge in the southern rangelands of Western Australia (WA). Stocking rate and herd structure selection are crucial decisions to achieve this balance. This study assessed the emission profiles of three contrasting herd structures (weaner production, live export, and slaughter production), and three stocking rates within a herd–carbon accounting modelling framework. The analysis considers the impact of varying drought frequencies on these cattle production systems. Herd models were developed for the semiarid southern WA rangelands. Stocking rates were set at 100%, 80% and 66% of the government recommended rate. Drought events (represented by Decile 2 rainfall years) were introduced at different frequencies within a 30-year simulation period. Slaughter production with a 66% stocking rate exhibited the lowest and most consistent carbon footprint, averaging around 15 kg CO₂ equivalents/kg liveweight sold. Higher stocking rates and weaner production systems generally resulted in increased carbon footprint variability. Selecting a herd structure producing heavy steers and heifers for slaughter, combined with a conservative stocking rate (66% of recommended), offers a combined economic and environmental benefit for cattle production in the southern rangelands of WA. This strategy promotes financial sustainability while minimising emissions and enhancing resilience to drought events.