5.2. Land use and agricultural production

Agriculture in the Murrumbidgee Catchment is valued at over $1.9 billion per year. Major industries and products include cropping ($790 million per year), beef ($273 million per year), wool ($240 per year), and rice ($200 per year). Irrigated agriculture accounts for only a tiny fraction of the total land area of the catchment, but produces roughly $500 million annually in rice, vegetable, grape, fruit, and dairy production. Additionally, the Murrumbidgee Catchment is responsible for 25% of the vegetable production of New South Wales, 42% of the grape production of New South Wales, and half of Australia’s rice. Extensive timber plantations can also be found in the catchment. Softwood forestry earns an additional $550 million per year.