Live exports of the Angus cattle breed to Russia have grown from 4,000 females in 2010 to 33,000 in 2012, and the growth in Russian demand for Australian beef cattle is set to continue.

"There is a strong desire, I think, both from commercial interest in those countries and by governments and leadership, to increase their meat production capacity. So I think that provides us an opportunity to export our cattle to those countries, but we are also seeing an increase demand from some of those countries, particularly Russia for our beef exports as well.”

Parnell expects Angus heifer exports to Russia this year will exceed the 2012 figures. He said the future of the live export programme is dependent on economic and political stability in Eastern Europe and Australia's ability to supply enough cattle to meet demand.

Libby and Bruce Creek, who manage several beef properties in the south-east of South Australia, have learnt to raise cattle in extreme cold and snow. Last year, the couple were hired by a private firm to build an Angus herd from scratch in Kazakhstan, which can experience temperatures as low as -35 degrees in winter.

Libby Creek said they have installed some clever technology to help the cattle adapt to the climate. She said the cattle from the first consignment sent to Kazakhstan last year are now calving.