Final report highlights value of national leadership in tackling wild dog impacts on red meat producers

The release of the final report from the National Wild Dog Action Plan Coordinator project has reinforced the significant impacts wild dogs continue to have on Australia’s red meat industry, while demonstrating the measurable benefits of targeted extension, coordination and capacity building.

The project, delivered under the National Wild Dog Action Plan with support from Meat & Livestock Australia, engaged more than 500 red meat producers across Australia and worked with businesses managing over 7.4 million hectares of grazing land. Through workshops, on-farm training, industry events and communications, the program strengthened producer knowledge of best-practice wild dog management and improved coordination at local and regional levels.

Wild dog predation remains a major productivity, animal welfare and biosecurity issue for the red meat sector, particularly in northern Australia. The final report confirms that producers consistently report losses through calf predation, maiming of livestock and ongoing harassment, with broader flow-on effects to herd health, labour efficiency and supply chains. Even modest reductions in calf loss can deliver significant productivity and economic benefits at an enterprise and industry level.

The project delivered wild dog management workshops across Queensland and New South Wales, with participants reporting substantial increases in knowledge of best-practice tools and techniques, including a strong uplift in understanding of wild dog behaviour and ecology. Importantly, the majority of producers indicated they intended to change or improve their on-farm management practices as a result of participating in the program.

Romy Carey, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, said the outcomes clearly demonstrated the value of structured extension and national coordination.

“Wild dogs remain a significant biosecurity and animal welfare challenge for northern cattle enterprises. The measurable increase in producer knowledge and coordination achieved through this program highlights the value of structured extension and national leadership. The Northern Territory has particularly benefited from the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator’s engagement, which has strengthened local capability, improved coordination and supported better calf survival outcomes. Continued extension and regional support will be critical to sustaining progress,” Ms Carey said.

While the project achieved strong outcomes, the final report also identifies a clear and ongoing need for continued investment in extension, producer support and regional coordination. Producers consistently identified improved neighbour coordination, access to practical training and trusted advice as critical to managing wild dog impacts effectively over the long term.

The findings reinforce that wild dog management is most effective when delivered through sustained, on-the-ground engagement supported by national leadership, consistent messaging and cross-jurisdictional alignment.

The final report is available via the Meat & Livestock Australia website and provides a strong evidence base to inform future investment in extension and capacity building to protect productivity, animal welfare and the long-term sustainability of Australia’s red meat industry.

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