THE Australian live export sector can capitalise on the rapid decline of the Indonesian domestic herd, Wellard Rural Exports South East Asia marketing manager Scott Braithwaite told the Cattle Industry forum in Carnarvon recently.
Mr Braithwaite has been in the live export industry since the 1970s and is now in a joint venture with Wellards.
He said the WA cattle industry was small, but had many positive aspects.
"Being a small industry means you are only three handshakes away from the end customer," Mr Braithwaite said.
Mr Braithwaite said the industry was a sustainable business.
After selling his first load of cattle to Indonesia in 1991, he had seen that country’s industry change dramatically.
"Last year was the best year lotfeeders in Indonesia have ever had," he said.
