THE Mowanjum Pastoral Company, near Derby, has been granted an option to expand its irrigation activities which will allow it to dramatically expand its cattle numbers. The West Kimberley Aboriginal Corporation company plans to develop an irrigation precinct, feedlot and related infrastructure with the option for freehold tenure. The Mowanjum irrigation plan is part of the Water for Food Land Tenure Pathway for Irrigated Agriculture project funded by Royalties for Regions. Mowanjum is a 55,000 hectare pastoral lease which has grown its cattle numbers from about 250 head a few years ago to almost 2000 head. It aspires to dramatically increase herd numbers. For the first time since 1982, the company sold 200 head of cattle into live trade in 2014, and has continued to trade into the live export market through Wyndham. Water Minister Mia Davies said the success of a recent Water for Food irrigation trial at Mowanjum station demonstrated the potential to further develop irrigated agriculture in the region. "The trial showed the suitability of soils at Mowanjum for irrigated agriculture and that the corporation has the capacity to run intensive cattle operations on the station," Ms Davies said. "This will pave the way for further investment and growth in the West Kimberley." She said the station had grown its herd since the trial and expects to export about 200 Brahman cross bulls through Wyndham this year. "They have also struck a partnership with Pardoo station in the Pilbara," Ms Davies said. "They are agisting 690 cattle on the station." The cattle comprise weaners and heifers, and the station is using centre pivot irrigation to grow fodder. Lands Minister Terry Redman said the corporation could proceed with its plans. "The project will deliver significant economic and social benefits to the West Kimberley region," Mr Redman said. "The development of irrigated agriculture at Mowanjum station will boost employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people, promote greater social engagement and financial stability for the local community and open the door to new export markets.'' "Royalties for Regions is investing in strategic initiatives to support WA's agricultural industry to ensure our regions remain sustainable for future generations." The Water for Food scheme is a four-year project that will see $40 million of Royalties for Regions funding used to identify water and land resources and irrigation technologies that could increase the contribution of WA's fresh food and animal protein production to regional economies by at least 50 per cent by 2050. In 2014, the first stage of $15.5m was allocated to the West Kimberley region, including $3.6m to establish an irrigation trial at Mowanjum station. Source - farmweekly.com.au