Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud made this statement opening the 34th Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Annual Industry Conference in Darwin today.  

"The Northern Territory was perfectly placed to seize growing international demand for Australia’s world-leading beef," Minister Littleproud said. 

“More than $13 billion runs through regional cities and towns across Australia thanks to the success of the beef and cattle industry – employing tens of thousands of people," he said. 

NT alone stocks over two million head of cattle representing 9 per cent of the national herd - worth more than $560 million to the local and national economy. 

The Minister said the live export trade options continue to grow and the Territory’s beef farmers are well placed to make the most of our FTA gains for boxed and chilled meat. 

"In fact 11,000 tonnes of beef were exported from the Territory in 2016-17 worth $54 million. Only three years ago very little beef was being exported from NT," he said.  

“A total of 338,046 feeder slaughter cattle were shipped from the Northern Territory in 2016-17 – representing 41% of the national total." 

“Opportunities in the international market are growing rapidly and we need to put ourselves in a position where we can grab them with both hands. 

“The Territory's beef industry is in a strong position and the outlook is even better. It represents everything we are aiming to achieve in rural and regional Australia as farmers, as communities and as a nation.” 

The rise in incomes and population growth, combined with urbanisation and a limited ability to expand local beef production continues to support demand, particularly in South East Asia and Indonesia. 

While prices for live feeder slaughter cattle are forecast to fall in 2017-18 to $1,194 per head, they remain close to the record average set last year (2016-17) at $1,261 per head.