Queensland Country Hour ABC Podcasts

Many pet owners will tell you they know what their animals are saying, but what if you could be sure? CSIRO scientist James Bishop is using artificial intelligence to find out, and it could help improve animal welfare in the cattle industry.

And if you've ever wanted to have beef for dessert, one ingenious butcher has found a way: Wagyu ice cream.

In the brutal drought of the late 1990s, many farmers were forced to walk away from the land.

Dave McGiveron was determined to get back on it, but he wanted to do it different. With the help of his partner Bianca, a facebook page, and 150 dedicated farmers, he's doing exactly that, through Our Cow.  

Beef Australia, the week-long cattle convention held once every three years in Rockhampton, is a massive drawcard for one segment of the population: politicians. 

So does federal agriculture Minister Murray Watt think it's brave when he's called out for a lack of leadership in front of 700 people? 

There is currently more cattle in Australia than in the USA, which at about 28.2 million head, is at its lowest point since 1951.

US analyst Lance Zimmerman grew up in Kansas, and shares his insights on the future of a key competitor for Aussie beef.  

It employs almost 200,000 people, is worth about $14 billion, and on average Australians eat 19.2kgs of it per year. 

Beef is big business, and once every three years that business gathers in central Queensland at the 'Beef Capital' of Rockhampton to do deals, eat meals, and turn the wheels of the cattle industry. 

As the nation debates if supermarket prices reflect the true effort and cost of producing food, one price farmers are getting is remaining high - for their land. 

Fewer farms are being sold, but rural property prices continue to rise. It's boosting confidence but would it be enough to encourage even the bravest investor to buy a meatworks?