Baiyer River Cattle Ranch
Baiyer Cattle Ranch was established in 1961 as one of PNG’s largest cattle projects. After decades of decline, it is now being revived to once again play a key role in the country’s livestock and beef industry.
Wariman Livestock Station
Cattle was introduced to Wariman during the 1960s–early 1970s, when the national cattle industry expanded under government and foreign-aid programs. This period saw the creation of several state-run stations, including Wariman, to boost beef production across PNG
Cattle Breeding and Restocking
A history in the making fulfilling the GoPNG Medium Term Development Plan IV, cattle moving cattle out of the ship enroute the Bismark Sea down to the Papuan Coastlines into Launakalana Cattle Ranch.
Our Story.
The Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) was established on 15 December 1982 through NEC Decision No. 75/82 under the leadership of the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Its creation reflected a vision for economic self-reliance, aiming to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s livestock industry, manage state-owned ranches and abattoirs, and improve national food security.
Initially, LDC operated as a commercial state-owned enterprise, tasked with transforming livestock production into a sustainable and profitable sector that could reduce meat imports and create rural employment. During the 1980s, LDC expanded rapidly, taking over major ranches and abattoirs, boosting domestic beef production, and generating jobs.
However, by the 1990s, mismanagement, political interference, and lack of reinvestment led to operational collapse, earning the sector the label “deadstock industry.” The 2000s saw prolonged dormancy, with PNG increasingly dependent on imported meat.
Revival efforts began in 2019 under the Marape-Rosso Government, which prioritized livestock development. A new board was appointed in 2020, initiating reforms based on the directive from the Prime Minister to reclaim and take stock of all the LDC assets and rehabilitating key facilities such as Wariman Livestock Station. The 2020s marked a turning point with the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, restoration of ranches, modernization of abattoirs, and support for smallholder farmers.