How Many Cows Are in Australia, 2025 Industry Report
In this report we breakdown estimates of cattle population in Australia including beef cattle and dairy cattle.
How Many Cattle Are in Australia?
As of June 30, 2023, there were approximately 29.9 million cattle in Australia. This total includes 27.8 million beef cattle and 2.1 million dairy cattle, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
However, a University of Queensland/CSIRO study suggests the actual number might be closer to 35 million due to underreporting. The discrepancy highlights challenges in accurately tracking cattle populations, especially on large, remote properties.
How Many Dairy Cows Are in Australia?
The dairy sector is a significant part of Australia’s agricultural landscape. Here are the key statistics:
- Dairy Cattle Population: Australia had 1.5 million to 2.1 million dairy cows in recent years, producing around 8.8 billion liters of milk annually.
- Dairy Regions: The majority of dairy farms are located in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania, thanks to favorable climates and rich pastures.
- Herd Size: The average dairy herd size has grown to 261 cows per farm.
Beef vs. Dairy Cattle: A State-by-State Breakdown on the numbers
The distribution of cattle across Australia varies significantly by region:
- Queensland: Leads with 10.7 million cattle (44% of the national herd).
- New South Wales: 4.4 million cattle (18%).
- Victoria: 3.6 million cattle (15%), including a large portion of the dairy herd.
- Western Australia: 2.1 million cattle (9%).
- South Australia: 1 million cattle (4%).
- Northern Territory: 1.7 million cattle (7%).
- Tasmania: 800,000 cattle (3%).
The Fitzroy Basin in Queensland is Australia’s top cattle region, boasting more than 2.5 million head.
The Economic Impact of Cattle Farming
Cattle farming is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy:
- Beef Industry: Valued at over $23 billion in 2022–23, despite a 1% decrease from the previous year.
- Dairy Industry: Contributes $6.1 billion annually and directly employs around 33,500 people.
Australia also exports 30% of its milk production, making it the fourth-largest dairy exporter globally, after New Zealand, the European Union, and the United States. Source: Austrade
Challenges in Counting Cattle
Accurately counting cattle remains complex:
- Underreporting by Farmers: Many small-scale producers do not report all livestock, leading to discrepancies.
- Large Properties: Remote and vast cattle stations make precise counting difficult. Northern Australian properties, for example, are often as large as small European countries.
- Survey Limitations: Traditional farm surveys, previously conducted by the ABS, were discontinued in 2023 due to low response rates.
How Many Cows are in Australia: Summary
Australia is home to a robust and diverse cattle industry, with approximately 29.9 million cattle in 2023. While beef cattle dominate, the dairy sector continues to grow, fueled by innovation and global demand. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, environmental impact, or economic trends, Australia’s cattle statistics provide valuable insights into the backbone of its rural economy.
