Live export industry in North Queensland powers ahead

Live cattle exports were tallied at 293,169 head, the Port of Townsville 2018/19 annual report shows, which was the highest number to be shipped in four years.

In total, their weight equated to 146,585 tonnes, up 55,454 tonnes from 2017/18.

Queensland Livestock Exporters' Association president Greg Pankhurst said the strengthening of the Vietnamese market was behind the increase in numbers.

"The main reason is Vietnam and the strength of the Vietnamese market," Mr Pankhurst said.

"There has been a handful going to Indonesia and only a few going to China but the majority are going to Vietnam."

Mr Pankhurst said graziers in the north, from Port Alma to Townsville, had the ability to send their cattle to feedlots in the region to gain the condition required for the Vietnamese market.

"They are buying in that 380kg animal and putting them in feedlots up there, and they're feeding for 60 days and in most cases getting that 100kg-130kg weight gain to get over 500kg, which is what the Vietnamese want," he said.

"There is availability of good cattle at the moment and producers are keen to offload them as prices are good at the same time."

Mr Pankhurst said numbers had not faltered despite the north west Queensland floods and said all boats were being filled. Other cattle from around the Cloncurry area were being trucked to Darwin for export, with that port offloading 397,300 head last financial year.

Mr Pankhurst said he expected numbers would decline for a time when there was widespread rain and producers would look to restock.

However, Mr Pankhurst said he looked forward to continuing to work with the Port of Townsville to ensure the numbers and animal welfare outcomes could be maintained.

Producers and industry leaders will descend on the North Queensland city next week for the national LIVEXchange conference, from October 30-31. The theme of the conference is welfare beyond borders.