On The Land
22 March, 2025
Live cattle industry wants more support
CATTLE Australia is calling on both sides of politics to throw their full support behind Australia’s live cattle export industry and push back against new trade barriers around the world, with new data demonstrating the vital role of cattle and beef exports to the national economy.
Meat & Livestock Australia’s market data released last week shows cattle exports increased by 22% to 747,000 head and beef exports increased by 24% to 1,972,000 tonnes (carcase weight) in 2024.
CA chief executive Dr Chris Parker said a whopping 76% of beef processed in Australia in 2024 was exported, generating valuable revenue for the Australian economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs across rural and regional Australia.
“Australian beef and cattle exports are also crucial in providing food security to people around the world and it is imperative our political leaders fight any moves by our global trading partners to impose new tariffs or trade barriers,” he said.
“In the run-up to the Federal election, we will also be working hard to secure commitments from both parties to guarantee the future of the live cattle trade.
“Strengthening our ties with Indonesia is critically important for the economy and national security, not to mention the livelihoods of cattle producers right across Australia.”
Specifically, CA is calling for an investment of $5 million per year for five years to re-establish the Indonesia Australia Red Meat and Cattle Partnership, which ended in 2024 after 10 years of successful collaboration to improve Indonesia’s cattle sector, food security and trade between the two countries.
