Queensland is Australia’s largest producer of beef, and it is the state’s largest agricultural industry. Stretching from the southwest to the north, Western Queensland is the heart of cattle country. The industry has had a difficult five years, with most cattle country across the state being declared in drought from 2016.
Lean meat is included as part of the lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans group which is one of the 5 food groups recommended for everyday consumption in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. This food group primarily provides protein and a wide variety of other nutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B12) and essential fatty acids.
As part of the QCWA Country Kitchens Meet a Farmer initiative, we are speaking with two cattle graziers in the Quilpie Shire; Jane Mulligan and Bill Watts. Both Jane and Bill have similar sized properties, each running around 500 head of cattle. While their lives are similar now, Jane and Bill came into farming via two very different paths. Jane grew up in the city and fell into farming through her love of a rural lifestyle, while Bill was born into the industry.
Jane: I grew up in Brisbane and had a passion for horses, which got me into a more rural lifestyle. When I met my husband through the horses, he had come out to the Quilpie area to work and his dream was to have a cattle station here one day.
Bill: It has been a natural progression. I left school when I was 16 as my father became ill on our family property. I was never going to go back to school after that! Ever since then I have been trying to make the farm better and more efficient.
From left: Michelle Donohue, Val Stevenson, Katy Li, Jane Mulligan and Delma Quinn at Tebin Station
The Quilpie QCWA plays an extremely active role in the community, particularly for their local farmers like Jane and Bill, who have faced their fair share of challenges throughout the most recent drought.
Jane: I love the QCWA cent sales and fundraisers in town! I have appreciated their support throughout the drought. There was some fundraising that came through which was awesome. I know the ladies will always be around to have a conversation with me if I am feeling down and they will help lift my spirits… It is great having a voice like the QCWA’s to break down those barriers and give people a bit of a picture of what real farm life is like.
From left: Meg O’Donnell, Val Stevenson, Bill Watts, Katy Li and Delma Quinn at Quilpie QCWA Hall
While many cattle farmers across the state have been struggling with hand-feeding cattle throughout the drought, farmers in the Quilpie Shire are blessed with mulga trees, which act as great fodder for the livestock.
Jane: This being the Quilpie area the cattle eat the mulga trees which are great fodder. This really saves us during drought when there is no green pick on the ground. This meant during the last drought we only needed to purchase a small amount of hay, which was selling at a premium and put many stations out of business.
The combination of the natural environment and assistance from organisations such as the QCWA has supported both Jane and Bill through the drought. Bill has been heavily involved in the Quilpie Show for the past 11 years and would love to see the QCWA at all agriculture shows across Queensland, sharing what they do for their communities.
Bill: I think having the QCWA at all the ag shows and grassroots events can have a big impact on community food choices. They have great traditional and affordable recipes.
If you are feeling inspired, head to your local butcher and look for your favourite cut of Aussie beef. Be sure to try our Thai Beef Salad recipe, a great way to get lots of veggies in with a beautifully cooked cut of beef. To learn more about the QCWA Country Kitchens program or the Meet a Farmer initiative, contact us at countrykitchens@qcwa.org.au.
The QCWA Country Kitchens program is proudly funded by Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Industry: Beef Production
Location: Quilpie, Queensland
QCWA Division: Warrego
QCWA Connection: Michelle Donohue and Val Stevenson, Country Kitchens Facilitators Quilpie Branch and Delma Quinn, Warrego Division President
