Urimo Cattle Ranch, located in East Sepik Province, spans approximately 21,000 hectares and was once a major contributor to Papua New Guinea’s livestock industry. Established during a period of significant investment in agriculture, the ranch focused primarily on cattle breeding for beef production, supporting food security and creating employment opportunities.
Over time, however, the ranch fell into neglect due to management issues. Today, the site is overgrown, with remains of stockyards steel structures marking what was once a thriving Livestock Operation. Feral cattle, horses, buffalo, and sheep now roam freely across the property.
Under the Marape–Rosso Government’s livestock revitalization strategy, the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) plans to reclaim and rehabilitate Urimo as part of its broader mandate to restore state-owned livestock assets. This initiative aligns with the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023–2027), which aims to make PNG self-sufficient in meat production and reduce reliance on imports. The rehabilitation program will involve rebuilding infrastructure, restocking cattle, and introducing sustainable grazing practices. Urimo is expected to serve as a key breeding and distribution hub for the Sepik region, creating structured supply chains for smallholder farmers.
Community engagement will be central to the project, ensuring cooperation with local landowners and generating employment opportunities. Once operational, Urimo will play a strategic role in revitalizing PNG’s livestock sector, boosting meat production, and supporting rural economic development.
Wild horses, cows, and buffalos roam freely in paradise here after the neglection many years back. Urimo is now poised to undergo transformation under the LDC’s rebuilding and rehabilitation program being part of our Strategic Focus and inline with Marape – Rosso Government Policy Directive.
Below are pictures of vegetation overgrown at what used to be the Urimo Stock Holding yard. The steel structures protruding from the shrubs only remain as memories of a one time striving cattle ranch