September 28, 2010

Australian cattle moved to east to avoid drought

Quarantine figures already show a big jump in the number of cattle being transported from Australia's west to east in September as the drought in Western Australia (WA) worsens.

Meat and Livestock Australia chief economist Tim McRae said he did not expect to see thousands of stocks still moving in spring.

"Historically, we have seen cattle moving from west to east when the price differential is there, and that makes up for the transport costs," he said.

Whereas for this year, the sustained movement of cattle was mainly due to a contrast in seasons from east to west, he added.