Assertion (A) : In Australia, cattle rearing is done more for meat than for milk. Reason (R) : Australians are traditionally non-vegetarians.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Assertion (A) is true because Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of beef. Cattle rearing in the vast, arid interior rangelands (stations) is primarily focused on beef production due to the suitability of the terrain for extensive grazing rather than intensive dairy farming.

Reason (R) is also true. Australian food culture is traditionally rooted in British and European habits, where meat consumption is high, making the population predominantly non-vegetarian.

However, R is not the correct explanation for A. The primary reason Australia focuses on meat production is geographical and economic, not domestic dietary habits. The industry is driven by the vast availability of natural pastures unsuitable for crops and the high international demand for Australian beef exports. Domestic consumption patterns do not dictate the primary industrial focus of a major global exporter; thus, while both statements are facts, there is no causal link.