Global geographies of innovation diffusion: the case of the Australian cattle industry

Abstract

The geographies and histories of the introduction of cattle breeds to Australia in the period since white settlement are documented as an example of the diffusion of agricultural innovations. Three phases of development are identified: a colonial expansion phase from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century during which a number of primarily British cattle breeds were imported by the colonial settlers; an innovative phase in the mid twentieth century when both governments and private interests sought to produce or import new breeds deemed to be better adapted to Australian environments; and a multifunctional phase in recent decades. In this final phase, government deregulation and new technologies, such as the long distance transport of genetic packages, have facilitated the importation and development of many new cattle breeds in Australia. While this has produced a significant rise in the total number of breeds represented nationally, many recent and historic breeds currently exhibit extremely small numbers and a few generally well‐established breeds such as Holstein, Hereford and Angus still dominate the national herd. This study of changing breed types and introductions provides some evidence of post‐productivism and of a multifunctional transition in that several cattle breeds favoured by hobby farmers and boutique breeders are now represented, but the aggregate numbers for these breeds remain small and the numbers for several of the traditional (or colonial) breeds are currently in decline. Overall, it is apparent that Australia's cattle industry retains a strongly productivist ethos and that, particularly given the country's very great environmental variation, its levels of breed diversity remain low.

The construction of human–animal relations: National Jumps Day 2013 at Te Rapa, Hamilton, New Zealand

“…The so‐called new animal geography encompasses many issues, including selective breeding (Yarwood & Evans ; Tonts et al . ), animal subjectivity and technology (Holloway et al . ), the use of genetic technologies (Morris & Holloway ), hunting as sport and livelihood (Woods , ; Lorimer & Whatmore ), animals in entertainment (Gerber & Young ), companion animals (Power ) and animals in cities (Hinchliffe et al .…”

Making country good: stewardship and environmental change in central Australian pastoral culture

“…At first glance conventional notions of domestication founded variously in evolutionary perspectives, the expansion and/or cultivation of plants and animals, or on the application of agrarian ideals seem particularly relevant in Australia (for example see Crosby ; Powell ; Tonts et al . ). Teleological ideas of improvement were key elements of the biblically‐justified, empire‐building brand of stewardship popular as the British established Australian colonies and sought to establish agriculture and grazing across Australia (Heathcote ).…”

The Historical Geographies of Showing Livestock: a Case Study of the Perth Royal Show, Western Australia

“…During the nineteenth century, the majority of breeds were of British origin, reflecting Australia's cultural ties and desire to create an agrarian landscape based loosely on that in England (Greble, 1979;Powell, 1988;Tonts, 2002;Jones and Shaw, 2007;Jones and Birdsall-Jones, 2008). However, a combination of harsh environmental realities, and a desire to expand production in arid and tropical regions, saw an increasing number of livestock breeds introduced from other parts of the world, including Pakistan, India, the United States, and Africa (Parsons, 2003;Tonts et al, 2009). Although some successful breeds, such as Murray Grey cattle and Corriedale sheep, were created locally by cross-breeding imported animals, relatively few breeds originated in Australia.…”

“…, 2001). Recent work has noted the importance of national farming institutions, such as agricultural societies and shows, in determining these geographies and, in turn, perpetuating, discontinuing or transforming agricultural traditions, methods and practices in particular countries (Holloway, 2004; 2005; Yarwood and Evans, 2006; Tonts et al. , 2009).…”

“…Relationships between people and livestock play an important role in shaping both local farming practices and regional agricultural identities (Gray, 1998;Yarwood and Evans, 2000;Holloway, 2001;Convery et al, 2001). Recent work has noted the importance of national farming institutions, such as agricultural societies and shows, in determining these geographies and, in turn, perpetuating, discontinuing or transforming agricultural traditions, methods and practices in particular countries (Holloway, 2004;2005;Yarwood and Evans, 2006;Tonts et al, 2009).…”