July 4, 2006

Feedlots in parts of Australia facing feed grain shortage
 

Feedlot owners in Australia's state of Queensland may have to buy grain to feed cattle from Western Australia, if production remains stagnant, according to the Department of Primary Industries.

The department also expects demand for feed grains to outstrip local supplies five out of every 10 years.

Feedlots in Australia already consume about 2 million tonnes of grain a year, with a further 1 million tonnes likely to be needed over the next five years.

Due to weather factors and the economics of other crops compared to feed grains, it may be hard to produce enough grains to sustain the animals, Kim McIntyre, a representative of the department said.