July 26, 2010

Indonesian restrictions paralyse cattle exports from Wyndham, WA

Weight restrictions placed on the live export trade by Indonesia are being blamed for a complete halt to cattle exports out of Wyndham in Western Australia.

With nothing on the books, not one beast will be shipped out of Wyndham for the month of July, which is traditionally one of the port's busiest months for cattle exports.

Livestock manager Kelvin Hancey says producers should be looking at a variety of alternative markets for heavier cattle, but should remain optimistic about boats arriving for younger cattle.

"The Indonesian market is still very buoyant in their requirement for young cattle," he says.

"They'll take the cattle, it may just take a little bit more effort with the logistics and organising. But I do think the prices have firmed up and that'll stay like that right through to the end of this season," he added.