Opportunities to export beef and cattle to Thailand
Members of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Northern Beef Futures (NBF) project team recently visited Thailand to explore opportunities for Western Australia to export beef and live cattle to Thailand.
The growing incomes of Thailand’s middle class is driving increased consumption of beef at the same time as a rapid decline in the country’s beef cattle herd, creating further opportunities for Australian beef and live cattle exports.
In WA’s northern beef industry, heifers represent almost one third of cattle turn off, but they are often difficult to sell and significantly discounted compared to male cattle, in both processing and live export markets.
The demand for quality breeding heifers to boost herd numbers and improve genetics in Thailand presents a value adding opportunity for the State’s beef industry.
While the initial demand for these cattle is estimated at 10 000 to 20 000 head per year from Western Australia, well prepared quality commercial breeding cattle could achieve a premium over the export feeder cattle price.
While in Thailand, NBF staff met with the Thai Department of Livestock Development and Australian Government officials in Bangkok to discuss breeding cattle imports and trade development.
Following the visit, the department extended an invitation to the Thai Department of Livestock Development to visit WA to better understand our beef production systems and help strengthen trade with Thailand.
To progress the development of new cattle and beef markets in Thailand, the department also attended and presented at the Esan Beef Cattle Expo in Khon Kaen, at the request of the Royal Thai Ambassador to Australia and the WA beef industry.
Opportunities for increased trade and cooperation at commercial and government levels were discussed to an audience of more than 250 participants one each day of the seminar sessions.
Other activities in Thailand included visits to importers’ farms and meetings with the Esan Beef Cattle Association and other potential cattle importers to understand their requirements and capacity to order, import and manage WA breeding cattle.
The Northern Beef Futures project is supported by Royalties for Regions.
For more information on the department work exploring explore opportunities for Western Australia to export beef and live cattle to Thailand, contact Supply Chain Development manager Manus Stockdale on +61 (0)8 9368 3881 or manus.stockdale@dpird.wa.gov.au.