Note: the words ‘cow’ and ‘cattle’ are used interchangeably in this article to refer to both male and female bovines. Cow is technically a female, however there is no singular word to refer to cattle that is gender neutral, as a result cow is often used to refer to singular cattle, male or female.

Cows are gentle giants, each having their own unique personality and traits. They develop social structures within their communities, spending time in different groups depending on their ranking in the herd. Cows have incredible memories and can individually identify up to 70 other herd members. Cows are affectionate creatures and build relationships with other members of the herd who are important to them.

A cow has a personality as distinct as a dog, with his or her own life and purpose. They have been observed chasing balls and running around just for the fun of it. As they are kept away from urban areas, most people never get a chance to make meaningful connections and see just how unique cows really are.

n 2024, Australia produced more beef than ever before, reaching an all time high of 2.57 million tonnes – a 16% increase compared with the 2023 total.

Export volumes also set a new record in 2024, with 1.34 million tonnes of Australian beef shipped overseas. This figure surpassed the previous record of 1.29 million tonnes established in 2014, and retains Australia’s status alongside Brazil and India as one of the world’s leading beef exporters.

The use of intensive feedlot systems also expanded in 2024, with 1.45 million cattle held in confined feeding operations. Feedlot capacity continued to grow throughout the year, and China emerged as the single largest market for Australia’s grain-fed beef, accounting for 29% of total exports.

In 2024 alone, approximately 8.3 million cattle were slaughtered in Australia. This figure represents an 18% increase over the previous year and 42% increase from the past two years.

Australian cattle and their distribution. Source: Meat and Livestock Australia

Lives cut short - number of cows killed in Australia.

Under natural conditions, cattle can live for about 20 years. However, within the commercial beef industry, cattle are typically slaughtered at 18 months, depending on production targets and market specifications.

Calves usually begin their lives grazing in open pastures. In the latter part of their lives, many are transferred to feedlots, where they are confined and fed high-energy diets to accelerate weight gain before slaughter. Around 42 percent of surveyed feedlots in Australia provide no shade or shelter for their cattle, leaving animals fully exposed to intense sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Without adequate protection, cattle are at increased risk of heat stress, sunburn, dehydration and related health issues.

At any given time, approximately 1.2 million cattle are confined in feedlots across Australia, with about 750,000 of those animals held in Queensland alone.