CATTLE producers in the north need to be concerned about live export.
That was one of the key messages that PGA livestock committee chairman Chris Patmore took out of the 2019 Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) Kimberley Pastoral Forum at the Mercure Hotel, Broome, last week.
"While it's affecting the sheep industry at the moment it needs to be reinforced that a phase out of live sheep exports will impact the cattle industry," Mr Patmore said.
"There is a lack of awareness among cattle producers, as they are not up to date with the sheep industry."
Mr Patmore said this year's conference was well supported, with an increase from last year in the number of people
who attended.
Keynote speakers at the forum included Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) director general Ralph Addis, Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company general manager Sean Starling (forum sponsor), George Morris of Buru Energy (forum sponsor) and Kimberley Recognised Biosecurity Group executive officer Dick Pasfield.
They were followed by Hancock Agriculture general manager George Scott, DPIRD regional director Rob Cossart, Department of Fire and Emergency Services superintendent operations command Kimberley Region Grant Pipe, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Kimberley regional manager Craig Olejnik and Main Roads director network management Brett Belstead.
After lunch a closed session for key stakeholders in the live export industry and WA pastoral industry was held with Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources principal regulatory officer live exports division Melissa McEwan, Livestock Shipping Services livestock manager Harold Sealy and PGA representatives Lynette Craig, Kimberley Division chairwoman, pastoral chairman Lachie McTaggart and Mr Patmore.
PGA president Tony Seabrook said the presentation by "George Scott was fascinating".
"It was livestock crucial in all sorts of ways from breeding, water monitoring and remote technologies," Mr Seabrook said.
"The discussion around invasive species was also very topical."
PGA policy officer Doug Hall said the speakers were "all excellent" and the "feedback was that their range of topics covered all aspects of policies that impacted on them".
"The speakers elaborated on plans for the Fitzroy catchment and details of the roll out on the area, as well as the pastoral reform process," Mr Hall said.
"We came away with a much better idea on what the government is doing.
"It was also a great networking opportunity which pastoralists don't get a lot of."
Ms Craig, Sophie Downs station, was re-elected unopposed as the PGA's Kimberley division chairwoman.
Phillip Hams, Gogo station, was elected deputy chairman and Wendy Brockhurst, Larrawa station, was elected secretary/treasurer.
