Australia- Meat exporters to meet Minister.

AUSTRALIA-MEAT EXPORTERS TO MEET MINISTER.

Representatives of agricultural exporters will meet federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke today to lobby to keep subsidies for quarantine inspections.

According to The Australian Financial Review, scrapping the subsidy, which costs taxpayers $40 million a year, was recommended by an independent review.

Mr Burke said the government was working with industry to manage the transition.

Meat processors will be liable for $32 million of the costs and called for a moratorium until an alternative plan was considered.

"The Rudd government has provided billions to support the economy, yet is willing to increase taxes that will threaten further investment and jobs in a crucial export industry," the chairman of the Australian Meat Industry Council’s processor council, Gary Burridge, said.

AUSTRALIA-CATTLE SALE AFTER THE FIRES.

Local and northern buying support opened its heart and wallets for the fire-ravaged district of Myrtleford in northeast Victoria on Friday, boosting prices for steers at the region’s annual sale to almost a seasonal peak.

Bidding prices to $715/head for grown steers, weaner steers traded at an average of 180-185c/kg (live) for the heaviest presented pens, while medium weights, 280-320kg, averaged 200c/kg and the lightest made 220-230c/kg.

Heifer demand was not as buoyant, nevertheless these again met solid feeder inquiry to average 160c/kg, making to a top of $580 (to kill).