Western Australian beef and veal exports grow

Western Australian beef and veal exports have substantially strengthened this financial year, thanks to higher prices and greater volume, Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said today.

  • Value of processed beef and veal exports from WA up 48% on last financial year

Western Australian beef and veal exports have substantially strengthened this financial year, thanks to higher prices and greater volume, Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said today.

The latest six-month snapshot of the State's cattle sector found processed beef and veal exported from WA between July 2014 and February 2015 was valued at $118 million, 48 per cent higher than the same time last financial year.

"This substantial improvement is a combination of greater volume and higher prices," Mr Baston said.

"We have witnessed rising values of exports to Japan, the Middle East and Greater China, along with the recent but sharp rise in export value to the USA."

In contrast, the value of Western Australian live cattle exports in the first eight months of 2014-15 was 16 per cent lower than the same period last financial year.

During December 2014, cattle in feedlots were reported at 35,000 head - WA's highest December levels since 2006, in response to the growing need to secure supply for both local and export beef products.

"2015 started with very strong prices in some categories," the Minister said.

"For example, the opening price of 224 cents per kilogram liveweight for feeder yearlings (young cattle suitable for finishing on grass or grain) is the highest January price received in the last five years and 22 per cent higher than in 2014."

Mr Baston said the positive state of the market was the result of low levels of supply and continued demand for beef.

The Minister said the State Government recognised the importance of capturing new export market opportunities in order to grow the Western Australian beef industry.

"The Northern Beef Futures project, funded by the Royalties for Regions program, is an example of work currently under way which aims to improve markets, businesses and productivity," he said.

The WA Beef Commentary is a biannual publication produced by the Department of Agriculture and Food, which provides an overview of key cattle industry data and trends.

 

Fact File

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