About the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association

Representation and Solidarity

The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA) Inc is the peak primary industry lobby group in the Northern Territory.

The NTCA represents over 90% of pastoral operations in the NT, from small family operations to the large corporate organisations. Our members manage a landmass in excess of 620,000 square kilometres producing 532,000 high quality cattle per year. NTCA is strong, vibrant and vocal in lobbying for the rights of its members.

The NTCA has a strategic approach to managing the pastoral sector in the Northern Territory. This is the basis for NTCA leadership in pastoral land conservation, market development, and key infrastructure activities.

Economic Contribution

The pastoral industry is the Northern Territory’s third largest GDP earner, equating to more than 75% of primary production in the NT. It is a confident and continuing growth area, estimated to generate over $330 million directly and $880 million indirectly into the Northern Territory’s economy.

Based on ABARE data, the industry directly provides in excess of 1600 jobs, mainly in rural areas of the Northern Territory. The industry believes that total employment in the industry is 2000 to 3000 jobs, including part-time and seasonal workers.
The industry has contributed to the growth of the Territory for over 150 years. It continues to increase in size, productivity and efficiency.

Land Stewardship

By area, employment and economic contribution the pastoral industry is the dominate industry in land management in the NT, with a predominate focus on long term sustainable production. Over 85% of all NTCA members are active participants in Conservation, Environmental and Landcare groups throughout the Northern Territory and the Association continues to encourage members to join local groups in all corners of the Northern Territory

The Herd

Cattle numbers have increased from 1.4 million in 1974-75 to 1.7 million in 2000-01, and to 1.9 million in 2004-05. Over the same period, the percentage of turnoff to cattle population, as an indicator of productivity, has increased from 11 percent to 34 percent as a consequence of adopting improved management practices.

Markets

NT producers supply cattle to all states and territories of Australia and produce quality animals suited for the growing live export trade to South East Asia. In 2006 over 230,000 head of cattle were shipped through Darwin, with 45% of the total NT production destined for the export trade in Asia, the northern beef industry continues to focus on partnerships and programs to strengthen this trade. Domestic turn-off goes to markets throughout Australia, directly into or value-added though backgrounding operations, feedlots, saleyards or abattoirs.

Future Prospects

NTCA believes that over the next decade, there is potential for the cattle herd to increase by 30% and for productivity, measured by the percentage of turnoff to population, to also increase significantly. This increase in the total herd can be achieved through more efficient use of rangelands and improved productivity from continued adoption of improved management practices including mineral supplementation, early weaning and continued learning through utilisation of the NT FarmBis program.

This ongoing growth is due largely to the industry reinvesting in itself to the extent of $30 million per year. Our members are optimistic as they position themselves for predicted future expansion in both our domestic and export markets.

Conclusion

There is overwhelming evidence of an industry achieving economic growth based on productive use of its land and water resources. Looking to the future, the Industry remains clearly focused on developing and maintaining profitable markets for NT cattle whilst improving production efficiencies.

Membership Benefits

Membership ensures industry views, concerns and issues are presented to governments at all levels. Membership provides an introduction to a large network of businesses through informal and formal functions. Membership also opens the door to a wide range of services delivered by the Association.

Industrial and Workplace Relations

Industrial Relations Advisory Service Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association members have access to our quick response telephone advisory service.

Regional Representation and Service Delivery

The Association is the only Primary Industry Association in the Northern Territory that represents members through our network of regional branches and offices. Members also benefit by services being delivered through the regional offices in Alice Springs and Darwin. 4 Regional Committees ensure that their issues are addressed at a local level and at Territory and National forums through Cattle Council of Australia and National Farmers Federation.

Trade, Commerce & International

The Association is actively involved in promoting opportunities in Domestic and International Trade.

Environmental Issues

NTCA Landcare Coordinator - Environmental Industry Services provide information and assistance to business and industry on relevant environmental issues.

Networking

Networking is a vital aspect of the Association’s member services. Its regular functions / branch meetings includes 4-regional branch meetings per year.

Representation

Government economic policies and actions affect the economic climate in which business operates and industry is controlled by government legislation and regulation. The Association represents members' views, concerns and opinions by identifying issues and lobbying governments at Federal, Territory and Local Government levels, ensuring pastoralists views are presented to Government Ministers and officials.

Please download our membership application form.

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