The cow (Bos taurus) is one of the most widely farmed animals in the world, providing beef, milk, and a range of by-products. Cattle were domesticated from wild aurochs roughly 10,000 years ago in the Near East and have since been bred into hundreds of specialised breeds.
Beef cattle produce a wide range of cuts — from premium steaks like tenderloin to working cuts like chuck and flank, as well as trim used in mince and processed products. Dairy cattle produce milk that forms the basis for cheese, yoghurt, butter, and cream. Bones are used for stocks and broths.
Australia is one of the world’s largest beef producers and exporters, with significant cattle industries across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. The dairy industry is concentrated in south-eastern Australia, particularly Victoria and Tasmania.
How it's produced
Beef cattle in Australia are typically raised on pasture, often starting on extensive grazing properties in northern regions before being finished on grain in feedlots or on improved pastures further south. Some cattle spend their entire lives on grass. The industry spans a range of production systems from large-scale outback stations to smaller mixed farms.
Dairy cattle are raised on dedicated dairy farms where cows are milked one to three times daily using automated milking systems. Most Australian dairy farming is pasture-based, with supplementary grain and hay feeding. Calves are separated from cows shortly after birth, with male calves typically entering the beef supply chain.
What it costs the planet (per kilo)
* Based on what it takes to produce, from farm to factory gate.
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