Western Australian Beef Exports Grow in Line with Rest of Country

AUSTRALIA - Western Australia figures show the state is currently enjoying high beef exports, similar to the rest of the country where shipments are very strong.

15 May 2015

2 minute read

Oceania

The latest six-month snapshot of the State’s cattle sector found processed beef and veal exported from Western Australia between July 2014 and February 2015 was valued at A$118 million, 48 per cent higher than the same time last financial year.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said: “This substantial improvement is a combination of greater volume and higher prices.

“We have witnessed rising values of exports to Japan, the Middle East and Greater China, along with the recent but sharp rise in export value to the USA.”

During December 2014, cattle in feedlots were reported at 35,000 head, which was Western Austalia’s highest December levels since 2006, in response to the growing need to secure supply for both local and export beef products.

“2015 started with very strong prices in some categories,” Mr Baston said.

“For example, the opening price of 224 cents per kilogram liveweight for feeder yearlings (young cattle suitable for finishing on grass or grain) is the highest January price received in the last five years and 22 per cent higher than in 2014.”

Mr Baston said the positive state of the market was the result of low levels of supply and continued demand for beef.

He added that the State Government recognised the importance of capturing new export market opportunities in order to grow the Western Australian beef industry.

“The Northern Beef Futures project, funded by the Royalties for Regions program, is an example of work currently under way which aims to improve markets, businesses and productivity,” Mr Baston said.