Alice Springs and Central Australian Regions

The Alice Springs region is arid with limited permanent surface water exists in this region.

There is a heavy reliance on underground water which varies greatly in quantity, quality and accessibility. In most cases the water is sub-artesian and must be pumped to the surface.

The predominate cattle type is Bos taurus cattle (Hereford and Shorthorn). Some properties have Bos indicus cattle to supply the SE Asian live export trade.

The region has significant areas of mulga country. Grasses used for grazing includes perennial grasses, ephemeral annual grasses, shrubs and top feed and spinifex.

Most properties are family owned, and the cattle industry is characterised by breeding and fattening stock to slaughter weights to supply abattoirs in southern states.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• MARKETS: The Alice Springs membership predominately turn off cattle to all states and Territories of Australia including export cattle to SE Asia
  
• CATTLE NUMBERS: 70,000 + are turned off on average each year
  
• RAINFALL: 6-10 inches of rain per year