Hundred-plus Wagyu cattle valued over $200,000 stolen from Queensland station
A theft of 142 Wagyu cross cattle, including pregnant cows, was discovered at Greenlake Station in central Queensland, with losses exceeding $200,000.
During the May weaning process at Greenlake Station, manager Madeline Price discovered that 142 Wagyu cross cattle had vanished, a loss valued at more than $200,000. The missing animals included 97 cows—among them several pregnant from the main breeding herd—and 45 weaner heifers under one year old. Initial counts on 3 April matched expectations, but a repeat count on 28 May confirmed the disappearance despite multiple recounts.
Detectives investigating the case note that the cattle bore a GL half-circle brand, a yellow "Greenlake" tag, and NLIS devices, and they ask the public to report any odd stock activity on Todds Road or Rossmoya Road. AgForce Queensland, the state’s leading producer association, warned that such thefts are more common than official figures suggest and impact both finances and farmer wellbeing. Price said she must now focus on managing the remaining herd through winter rather than dwelling on the loss.
Why it matters
The theft highlights vulnerability of Australian livestock farms and the financial blow to rural producers.
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