AUSTRALIA-LIVE EXPORTS UP BY 20%.
Overseas demand for healthy, quality Australian cattle in 2008 has delivered record returns and surging volumes, with a 20pc increase in live cattle export numbers, MLA reported today.
Export cattle set a record-breaking $A644 million contribution to the Australian economy.
Australia exported 869,545 cattle last year - a jump of 150,000 head from the 719,482 head exported in 2007.
The total value of all livestock live exports, including cattle, sheep and goats came in just below $1 billion, at $A974m for the year.
MLA livestock exports manager, Michael Finucan, said Indonesia, our main customer, took its largest ever volume of Australian cattle last year.
"Australian cattle are well known for being high quality, healthy and disease-free," he said.
"They’re well-cared for on the Aussie farm, and during the voyage overseas and in in-market feedlots.
"This reputation for quality and commitment to animal welfare is helping drive demand and volumes."
Indonesia took 75pc of total cattle exports, these exports being valued at $419m - a 26pc increase on 2007 volumes, and the largest ever yearly volume of cattle sent to Indonesia.
"Indonesia demands high quality, healthy Australian cattle to ensure its growing communities have access to affordable protein," Mr Finucan said.
"Australian cattle are well suited to the Indonesian climate and the Indonesian livestock industry is investing in animal welfare programs and infrastructure."
The Israel and Libyan markets continue to grow, with Israel the second largest market for Australian cattle. It is anticipated these markets will continue to remain strong in 2009.
The Russian market opened in 2006, and is now the fourth largest market for Australian live cattle exports, taking 100pc breeding animals in order to rebuild their herds and improve their domestic production.
In 2008 Russia took 20,071 head of breeding cattle, with a value of $53 million.
Overseas demand for Australian live cattle is forecast to remain strong, particularly from Indonesia and the Middle East/North Africa.
These markets are still expanding and are realising the benefit of the lower Australian dollar.
However, herd rebuilding efforts in the Northern Territory are expected to constrain available supplies for the livestock export trade in 2009, with total exports forecast to drop back 6pc on 2008 levels.
In 2007-08, over 99.9pc of cattle arrived fit and healthy at their destination, after being well cared for during the voyage, he said.
Australian sheep exports grew 11pc, to 4.2 million in 2008, contributingA$321 million to the Australian economy.
