May 9, 2008 

Australia's live cattle shipments in Q1 2008 hits record, thanks to March surge

Australia's live cattle shipments for the first quarter of 2008 hit a record 197,796 heads thanks to a surge in March shipments, which reached 73,893 heads, up 59 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The increase was chiefly attributed to Indonesia, which accounts for more than half of live cattle shipments during the quarter. Demand from Indonesia leapt 59 percent on-year.

Indonesian demand for Australian cattle continued unabated into 2008, following a record 517,000 head sent during 2007.

Dry conditions in Northern Australia also meant farmers liquidating stocks, making more cattle available for the Indonesian market.

Israel also doubled its shipments compared to the same period last year, receiving 23,876 head for the quarter. Other markets such as Libya, Japan, China and Saudi Arabia also saw increased live cattle shipments from Australia.