December 6, 2010

Livestock invasion boosts Australia's key sectors

Mass transportation of livestock from Western Australia is making an unexpected boost for the state's major industries, according to South Australian Agriculture Minister Michael O'Brien.

The ongoing movement of sheep and cattle from the drought-stricken West to South Australia and the eastern states is possibly the largest of its kind in Australian history.

Mr O'Brien said significant restocking in South Australia could potentially generate US$50 million in additional revenue across the sector.

"It is estimated that by the end of the year one million sheep and lambs and 130,000 beef cattle will have crossed the border from Western Australia during 2010," Mr O'Brien said.

"This is significantly more than the 95,000 sheep and lambs and 5,500 cattle being transported from WA in 2009. The majority of the latest consignment of livestock has been transported since July, due to the good seasonal conditions being experienced in South Australia and the eastern states and below-average rainfall in WA," he added.

"Approximately 38pc of sheep and lambs and 31-piece of the cattle crossing the border are destined for South Australian farms across most regions of the state. Of these, about one third will be put onto pastures and feedlots for finishing, while two thirds will be used for future breeding. It is estimated that around US$50 million revenue may be generated from these livestock in the next 12-months. In addition, a small portion of these stock will be going directly into South Australian abattoirs for processing for the domestic and export markets," he said.

Mr O'Brien said the movement of livestock into South Australia and the eastern states had averted a significant animal welfare risk in Western Australia, which is experiencing a severe drought.