Players confident of return for sheep exports

Key players in the live sheep export sector in Katanning are confident numbers will bounce back from the doldrums.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, live sheep exports in the June quarter for 2013 increased by 9 per cent to 549,000 when compared with the previous quarter.

Of these, 224,000, or 41 per cent, were exported to Kuwait, 183,000, or 33 per cent, to Qatar and 89,000, or 16 per cent, to Jordan.

However, numbers are still at historic lows and export numbers at their fifth-lowest since ABS began taking records.

Katanning saleyards manager Rod Bushell said the decline in demand for live cattle exports had impacted on live sheep exports.

“We are sending out half as many; prices were once $110 to $120 but they are now around $65 to $66,” he said.

Woodanilling farmer David Stade is optimistic about the future of the live export industry in Australia, despite the current situation.

He said the farming community needed to adapt to changes in demand.

Originally farming sheep for live export, Mr Stade diversified to other agricultural markets eight years ago.

“Live export is an important link in trade in the agricultural business,” he said.

“I think the industry will improve because of its importance in the sector… it gives our domestic markets an opportunity to compete. Like all industries it will evolve.”

Recently elected O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson said the new Liberal Government was committed to supporting the live export industry.

“I have had conversations with senior members in Canberra regarding streamlining the Commonwealth Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System for exporters,” Mr Wilson said.

“The industry underpins our saleyards values and once the new government settles it will be addressed.”

However, Mr Bushell does not think the recent change in government will ensure the low numbers are resolved quickly.

“It won’t be something that can be fixed overnight … it all comes down to supply and demand,” he said.