Land use

Overview

Agriculture is the dominant land use within the Corangamite region, with approximately 3,450 agricultural businesses operating across 772,436 hectares. Farming enterprises include sheep and cattle grazing, dairying, cropping, forestry and viticulture.

Just over 75% of private land used for food and fibre production is used for livestock grazing and 20% is used for crop production, including timber. In addition, the region has smaller areas dedicated to the poultry and pig industries. Livestock numbers in 2005-2006 were approximately 271,000 dairy cattle, 209,000 beef cattle and 1.7 million sheep and lambs. In 2005-2006, the Corangamite region produced approximately 10% of the gross value of agricultural commodities produced in Victoria.

  • Agriculture is a reasonably high employer and key economic driver in the Corangamite region, with an annual value of almost $1.5 billion.
  • Mixed farming and grazing is the predominant agricultural land use in the Corangamite region (66%), followed by dairy (14%), beef (7%) and sheep (5%) production.
  • Meat ($660 million) and dairy products ($546 million) are the most valuable commodities in the region, contributing to 14% and 15% of Victoria’s total value respectively.
  • The region produces 16% of Victoria’s hay and silage (tonnes) and 19% of its eggs (dozens).
  • Slight contraction in grazing commodities over time may be driven by diversification and prevailing dry conditions.
  • There has been a marked decline in broadacre cropping in recent years, however this is offset by increases in hay due to changes in seasonal conditions and grain quality.
Pasture scene, rolling hills