In Australia, and more specifically in the Central West, we rely on cattle for a great source of our income and gross domestic profit.

As Shadow Minster for Agriculture and Food Security this trip allows me to see first hand the way Cattle Producers in Brazil, Argentina, the USA and Canada are dealing with issues such as drought, methane emissions, agricultural research and improved methods of feeding.

There is no doubt that the cattle industry is vital to our nation.

The Australian Cattle industry has over 50 000 employees with a strong representation throughout the different cities, towns and villages of our region. Cattle exports are worth over $4 Billion to the Australian economy each year, however the sheer numbers pale in comparison to some of the regions I have been observing.

Brazil has over 200 million head of cattle, the second most of any nation (behind India). It’s just another reminder of the crazy nature of the complaints in this country about the greenhouse emissions by our comparatively smaller heard of 26 million.

Brazil is also a country with less of a history with cattle and, therefore, a country experimenting with different technology, husbandry practice, cross-breeding and utilizing different parts of animals for different purposes.

In contrast, the south of America is renowned for its cattle. Here cattle breeding is not only a way of life, in many cases it is life.

There is lots to learn and takeaway from some of the incredible practises in places like Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and further North in Montana.

So passionate are some of the residents about cattle, Bevo (The University of Texas’ official Steer) attended the two inauguration ceremonies of former President Bush.

Whilst I’m sure a Hereford would look good in the House of Representatives, we might leave this one to the Yanks.