KIMBERLEY PILBARA CATTLE CONFERENCE 2024: AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL WELFARE
BY ASAD KHAN
The Kimberley Pilbara Cattle Association (KPCA) 2024 Conference, held in Karratha, Western Australia, brought together industry leaders, researchers, and tech innovators to address the future of pastoral practices in Northern Australia.
Key discussions centered on sustainable agriculture, including carbon management, biosecurity, and advancements in animal welfare.
The KPCA 2024 Conference drew significant attention as stakeholders in the pastoral industry gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping Northern Australia's agricultural sector.
With carbon management, biosecurity, and animal welfare at the forefront, the conference underscored the need for innovation and sustainable practices in the face of environmental and regulatory pressures.
Dr. Michael Lawrence, an expert in animal welfare and health research, delivered a thought-provoking presentation addressing the role of pain relief as a proxy for animal welfare.
"Last year, I discussed the limitations of using pain relief alone as a measure of welfare,"
“Today, I built on that idea, focusing on welfare in a global context and examining how international standards, such as the ‘five freedoms,’ impact local farming practices.”
The "five freedoms" — which include freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, the ability to express normal behavior, and freedom from distress — serve as a guideline for evaluating animal welfare.
However, Dr. Lawrence expressed concern that the universal adoption of these principles in legislation could present challenges for Australia’s extensive and unique cattle operations.
“The freedoms may not fully align with our Northern beef systems,” he stated, pointing out how Northern Australian cattle systems might face difficulty meeting standards developed with different climates and farming practices in mind.
For instance, he noted, "Freedom from discomfort and pain are challenging to ensure given the vast landscapes and unpredictable climate events affecting cattle in Northern Australia."
The conference also provided a platform for emerging technology companies, with Farmbot’s Australian General Manager, Tessa O’Hagan, showcasing their latest innovations.
In an interview, Ms O’Hagan emphasized the importance of technological adoption in remote cattle stations.
"Farmbot’s water monitoring solutions allow producers to access real-time water data on their phones or laptops, enabling faster and better-informed decisions.” she said.
The solution provides a valuable tool for Northern pastoralists by delivering actionable insights crucial to managing water resources efficiently in remote and often arid areas.
She also expressed enthusiasm about the networking opportunities provided by the KPCA Conference.
“Our earliest adopters are members of this association,”
"This conference is a great chance to collaborate, learn from others, and discuss what’s working to help improve the industry overall."
With the pastoral industry facing a confluence of pressures from legislative changes in animal welfare to climate impacts and resource management, the KPCA 2024 Conference served as a critical forum for examining both challenges and solutions.
The industry’s continued focus on innovation and collaboration suggests a resilient and adaptive future for agriculture in Northern Australia.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist speak with Farmbot Australia’s General Manager Tessa O’Hagan: