Australia-Drop in the dollar helps meat and livestock exports.

AUSTRALIA-The drop in the Australian dollar has forced a dramatic shift from domestic to export sales for beef and lamb farmers.

Meat and Livestock Australia’s 2009 outlook also suggests that less competition from New Zealand will increase returns for lamb producers, while beef sales will continue to struggle during the first half of the year.

MLA’s Peter Weeks says uncertain international prices are being offset by lower farming costs.

"I think it’s going to be good news for producers this year, because they should be seeing better prices," he says.

"They’ll certainly be seeing higher output on average and costs are coming down.