Department of Primary
Industry and Fisheries
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
Phone: (08) 8999 2214
ISSN 1320-727X
Editor: Arthur Cameron
Editor
Producers need to be thinking about plans for the
coming wet season, particularly for pasture
development/maintenance.
Thought needs to be given to the development of new
pastures and the management in current pastures.
Seed, fertilisers and herbicides will need to be
available at the start of the wet season.
Cheers from the Editor
Arthur Cameron
September 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Polledness in Cattle --------------------------------------------------------------
2
Stocktake Plus – Pasture Management App for Graziers-----------
4
Top of the World Delivers Top Training for FMD -----------------------
7
Mt Bundy Station Field Day----------------------------------------------------
8
Australian Cattle Industry Overview----------------------------------------- 10
FutureBeef (Guidelines for the development of extensive
cattle stations in northern Australia)----------------------------------------- 12
A standard for certifying Australian pasturefed cattle ----------------- 13
Brands in the NT ------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Property Identification Codes ------------------------------------------------- 14
NLIS Devices Order Forms ---------------------------------------------------- 15
NT Waybills ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Pastoral Market Update --------------------------------------------------------- 17
ISSUE 49
Polledness in Cattle
Tim Schatz, Principal Pastoral Production Officer
Whether cattle are horned or polled is determined by their genes. The main gene that influences polledness is
the horn/poll gene and all cattle have this gene. In some cattle this is the only gene affecting polledness, but
there are 2 other genes that can also affect polledness in some cattle. These are the Scur gene (which can
occur in all breeds) and the African horn gene (which only occurs in tropical breeds). The frequency of the
African horn gene (Af) in different breeds is not known but is generally considered to be quite low. The
frequency of the Scur gene is more common than the African horn gene, but both of these genes play a minor
role in affecting polledness in comparison to the horn/poll gene, and in fact only interact with or modify the
expression of the horn/poll gene.
The way the genetics of polledness works is as follows: All animals inherit a pair of alleles (form of a gene) for
the horn/poll gene (they get one copy from each parent). The gene for polledness (P) is dominant to the gene
for horns (H) and so when an animal has copy of the polled gene it will be polled even if its other copy of the
gene is for horns. Animals with one of each copy of the gene (ie. PH) are known as being heterozygous polled
and appear polled even though they carry one copy of the gene for horns. Heterozygous polled animals can
produce horned offspring when they pass on a copy of the gene for horns (H) to their offspring, and their
offspring also get a copy of the gene for horns (H) from their other parent (and so are HH). Therefore if a
producer is trying to breed a polled herd it is better to use homozygous polled (PP) bulls as they will always
pass on a polled gene (P) to their offspring.
The following table shows the percentage of polled progeny that result from parents with different combinations
of the horn/poll genes. However it should be noted that when the Scur and African horn genes are present in a
herd that the percentages of offspring that are visually polled and horned are likely to be different as some of the
cattle with the horn/poll genes for polledness (ie. PP and PH) can have scurs or horns due to the effects of the
Scur and African horn genes (this will be explained later in this article).
Table 1: The percentage of polled and horned offspring from parents with different horn/poll genes.
Parents
Homozygous
polled (PP)
Offspring
Heterozygous
polled (PH)
50%
50%
Bull
Cow
Homozygous polled
Heterozygous polled
Homozygous polled
Homozygous horned
Homozygous polled
Homozygous polled
100%
Heterozygous polled
Heterozygous polled
25%
Heterozygous polled
Homozygous horned
Heterozygous polled
Homozygous polled
Homozygous
horned (HH)
100%
50%
50%
25%
50%
50%
50%
Note: Homozygous polled (PP) appear polled, Heterozygous polled (PH) appear polled, Homozygous horned (HH) appear
horned.
Unfortunately where the Scur and African horn genes are present in a population (herd), then the genetics of
polledness is more complicated and the proportion of polled and horned offspring is more difficult to work out.
These genes interact with the horn/poll gene to determine whether progeny appear polled, horned or scurred.
(Scurs are generally loose and movable beneath the skin ie. they are not attached to the skull. The size of scurs
is quite variable; ranging from small scabs to growths about 15 cm long, although they are usually short).
The gene for scurs is transmitted separately to the horn/poll gene and so has no effect on the presence or
absence of horns. Scurs can only be seen in animals that have the horn/poll genes for polledness (ie. PP and
PH), as all animals with the horn/poll genes for horns (HH) will have horns and this will not allow any expression
of the Scur gene to be seen.
As with the horn/poll gene, animals inherit one copy of the Scur gene (either Sc or Sn) from each of their
parents. However the gene for scurs is expressed differently to the horn/poll gene. The way the gene for scurs
is expressed depends on the sex of the animal. In males the Scur gene (Sc) is dominant, so heterozygous
males (ScSn) appear scurred, and to appear polled a male must have 2 copies of the gene for no scurs (SnSn).
In females the Sc is recessive so heterozygous females (ScSn) appear polled and only females with 2 copies of
the Scur gene (ScSc) have scurs.
2
The following table shows how the horn/poll and Scur genes interact to determine the horn status of animals.
Horn/Poll Gene
Scur Gene
Females
Males
PP
ScSc
Scurred
Scurred
PP
ScSn
Polled
Scurred
PP
SnSn
Polled
Polled
Note: the outcomes are the same for heterozygous polled (PH) animals, but all horned (HH) animals will have horns and this
will not allow any expression of the Scur gene to be seen.
While the frequency of the African horn gene is much lower, it can also effect whether animals appear horned or
polled when it is present. The Africa horn gene works similarly to the Scur gene in that the African horn gene
(Af) is dominant to the polled gene (An) in males and recessive in females. Therefore if an animal has the
African horn and Scur genes (as well as the horn/poll genes); for a male to be actually polled it must have the
horn/poll genes for polledness (ie. be PP or PH) and 2 copies of the Scur genes for polledness (SnSn) and 2
copies of the African horn gene for polledness (AnAn). It is generally believed that the incidence of the African
horn gene is very low but where a homozygous polled (PP) bull is used over Brahman females and a small
percentage of the male calves have horns then this would be due to the African horn gene (Af) being present in
the cows.
As a result of the way the genetics of polledness works, it is not possible to predict with accuracy the incidence
of polledness in the offspring from PP or PH bulls in herds where the Scur and African horn genes are present.
In these situations the percentage of polled animals will be affected by the frequency of the Scur and African
horn genes in the cow herd (and there are not currently tests for these genes). However if homozygous polled
bulls (PP) that are actually visually polled (and so must be SnSn and AnAn if they have Scur and African Horn
genes) are used, then over time the frequency of the Scur and African horn genes will be diminished and the
incidence of polledness will increase. While the breeding of a polled herd will be quicker if only PP bulls are
used (identified by DNA testing) and cows that are not polled are culled, selecting for a single trait such as
polledness is not advised as it can be at the expense of other economically important traits (eg. growth, fertility
etc.). Rather a more balanced approach to selection with a priority for polled animals is recommended.
3
Stocktake Plus – Pasture Management App for Graziers
Monitor, Calculate, Report
What is Stocktake Plus?
Stocktake Plus is a grazier decision support tool, which allows the user to monitor land condition, stock number
and rainfall. It also has a forage budgeting tool to help calculate the right balance of stock to pasture available.
Stocktake Plus also produces reports for all records kept, including long-term ‘benchmark’ carrying capacities
for paddocks and properties.
The Stocktake Plus app has been developed after extensive industry consultation, and is designed to be a
practical, work-anywhere (including outside phone range), decision support tool to help with some key grazing
land Best Management Practices. The app is available for both Apple and android devices (from mid-April
2013) and best of all it is FREE to all users.
It’s an initiative of the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through the FutureBeef
program and Meat & Livestock Australia, and is now available for use for all northern Australia beef producers.
Stocktake Plus represents the next generation in FutureBeef decision support tools. It is based on the previous
and well respected Queensland Government Stocktake monitoring software, but has been improved to now
allow the user to complete their monitoring and calculations while in the paddock, for an immediate result.
The app also has in-built support tools including land type sheets, pasture yield photos, ground cover photo
standards, accessible yield sheets, and the list goes on. Basically, everything you need to do with monitoring in
the paddock is now within your smartphone or tablet. All this in one device and in one app is much better than
being in the paddock and realising you have forgotten the pasture photo standards, your GPS, or camera
needed to complete your assessment!
The Stocktake Plus app:
 Assists in monitoring grazing land condition by logically guiding the user through the process, storing
information, producing reports, including long-term carrying capacity calculations based on the
information you enter
 Guides the user through a basic or more detailed forage budget
 Stores rainfall records
 Stores stock numbers – converts to AEs, displays current stock on land condition reports and can bring
stock numbers through to the demand section of the forage budget
 Directs users to their monitoring sites using the GPS function
 Helps the user identify what land type they are on, using the land type mapping of Queensland
 All information is backed up securely on the internet (only accessible by the user).
Each function can be used independently, which means if you only want the forage budget functionality, you can
do this. Similarly if you want to link all the information you entered from monitoring stock, land condition and
rainfall, you can do that too.
The app was designed to be visual, logical and prompted for ease of use AND importantly to work without the
need for 3G /4G phone reception.
Stocktake Plus has been developed specifically for graziers and agricultural advisors in Northern Australia
(Queensland, Northern Territory and the Kimberley and Pilbara of Western Australia), however it has partial
functionality for those in other regions of Australia. Users in other regions can still establish their own
monitoring sites and produce reports in the same manner; reports will simply not calculate pasture growth and
long-term carrying capacities. Forage budgeting and rainfall recording will have full functionality no matter
where the user is.
Look for Stocktake Plus on you app store and/or visit www.stocktakeplus.com.au
4
Value in budgeting, the new FutureBeef Stocktake Plus app can help



Help is available to balance pasture supply to animal demand through the new Stocktake Plus app, the
first FutureBeef app for northern graziers
At this time of year it is worth considering how much pasture you have till break of season, usually mid
to late January for North Queensland, and how that matches to the animals you have on hand
With such a varied season for Northern Queensland (floods, fires, above and below average rainfall
across the district) it is worth doing a forage budget to see if you can capitalise on extra pasture or if you
need to lighten the load.
DAFF FutureBeef extension officer Jane Pryor led the development of the app, in conjunction with collaborator
Steve Banney, who runs his own consultancy business.
Why is forage budgeting important?
Forage budgeting is a process for balancing forage supply (existing and anticipated pasture yield) and forage
demand (how much the animals will consume) over a defined period. A forage budget allows landholders to
calculate objective numbers to support their decisions based on observations and experience.
A forage budget can also help plan for seasonal variability in pasture quantity. For example, a forage budget
may indicate that between May and January you can carry 400 Animal Equivalents (AEsi) in a particular
paddock with a certain pasture yield. This gives you an option to either buy in more stock (to take your animal
demand to 400 AEs) and/or devise a targeted sell-off plan if grass growing rain is not received by a specified
date. This means you are selling your cattle earlier than those who decide to hold stock until seasonal
conditions deteriorate further and animal condition declines. You are also taking better care of your pastures.
1 AE = a 450 kg dry beast maintaining its liveweight.
When should I do a forage budget?
Forage budgets are recommended for the end of the growing season (April or May for Northern Australia) or
each time livestock are moved between paddocks.
The grazing period can be days, weeks, months or a season. A dry season forage budget is usually from the
end of the growing season e.g. May, to a date when you are likely to have a bulk of fresh pasture growth e.g.
mid to late January.
5
How do I calculate the forage budget?
Using the new FutureBeef Stocktake Plus app you will be guided through the process of completing a forage
budget. The app has in built support and tools to help you get the information you need about your pastures to
get the answers you want, immediately while you are still out in the paddock.
Results from a forage budget within Stocktake Plus include:
 how many days your current feed will last with the number of AEs you have.
 the number of AEs and/or current class of stock your paddock will carry to the end date
Then what?
Forage budgets are not a ‘set and forget’ tool, you need to continue to monitor both your pastures and livestock
during the grazing period to ensure you have the balance right.
This information helps plan your stocking rate strategy for that paddock and grazing period, ensuring that animal
productivity is optimised and land condition is maintained or improved.
6
Top of the World Delivers Top Training for FMD
Tennant Creek Livestock Biosecurity Officer, Greg Maguire jetted off to the top of the world recently in order to
strengthen Northern Territory biosecurity capabilities.
Greg spent five days in the Federal Republic of Nepal to participate in Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) real-time
training. The training was designed to help participants investigate, recognise and report suspect cases of the
disease, in order to strengthen the NT’s early warning and response capacity.
The training provided Greg with a valuable opportunity to familiarise himself with a disease that could have
significant economic and social effects on the Territory and in particular, the cattle industry.
Specifically it allowed him to gain an understanding of the impact that FMD can have on livestock producers in a
different cultural setting and take part in an FMD investigation and diagnosis process.
He was also able to discuss the appropriate measures to manage and control the disease in the producers’ herd
or flock and community region.
It is vital that veterinarians and livestock biosecurity officers have these skills to assist with planning and
conducting a successful response to any potential future outbreak and is part of the Australian emergency
animal disease preparedness strategy.
Greg said it was an invaluable training exercise providing essential experience necessary to protect and
minimize the impact of an FMD outbreak on the NT livestock industry.
The training program and travel was jointly funded by the department and the Australian Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
DAFF commissioned the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations to deliver the FMD training
tailored for Australian animal health professionals and producers from FMD susceptible industries.
Specifically the course provided participants with real experience in identifying FMD, implementing biosecurity
strategies and conducting initial disease investigations and, as a result, increase the likelihood of early detection
of FMD in Australia as well as response capability.
7
Mt Bundey Station Field Day
Arthur Cameron Principal Pastures and Extension Agronomist
Erosion control and bank construction was discussed and demonstrated by Darryl Hill at the well attended
Territory Natural Resource Management Mount Bundey Station Field on May 16. Other topics covered at the
Filed day were Holistic soil Management, Soils, Weeds, Pastures and funding opportunities.
The main item on the agenda at this well attended field day was erosion control.
Darryl Hill of Soil save gave a presentation on gully rehabilitation, design and maintenance of tracks and fence
lines, and how to treat erosion. Darryl later demonstrated how to design a diversion bank and construct it with a
grader.
Jason Hill, soil scientist of Department of Land Resource Management spoke about the soils on Mt Bundy,
Fiona McBean of Holistic Soil Management spoke about soil health, Tom Price, District Weeds Officer of
(DLRM) spoke about weeds and weed management, and Arthur Cameron presented on improved pastures.
There were also presentations from Anthony Kerr, the regional NRM co-ordinator from Territory Natural
Resource Management and the Regional Landcare Facilitator Peter Clifton.
Wet road where drainage was not correct
Sheet erosion
Erosion gully
Erosion gully
Riverbank erosion
8
Prior to bank construction
Constructing the bank
Constructing the bank
Completed bank
9
10
11
FutureBeef
Guidelines for the development of extensive cattle stations in
northern Australia
Publication code:
ISBN 9 7819 2504 5048
The Pigeon Hole project, located in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory, was initiated to identify strategies to
improve the profitability and sustainability of large cattle stations in northern Australia. The economic returns of northern beef
businesses at the time were being eroded by an unprecedented increase in key operating costs. Economic modelling
suggested that one of the more effective ways to increase efficiency and profitability was to increase the sustainable carrying
capacity. This book captures the main findings from the Pigeon Hole project and explores opportunities to improve
profitability through intensification.
Authors:

Steven Petty (Northern Development Company)

Leigh Hunt (CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre)

Robyn Cowley and Neil MacDonald (Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries)

Alaric Fisher (Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Management)
Key messages when intensifying development:

Any development plan must include budgeting for:
o costs of new infrastructure including maintenance of additional fencing and waters, and changed operating costs
o possible purchase of stock
o foregone sales through retention of breeders
o cash flow during development
o potential risk due to climate variability or market volatility

Increasing the carrying capacity of a property through better distribution of cattle and grazing could be a less expensive
option than purchasing new land in the region.

Cattle should be encouraged into areas of under-utilised pasture through a combination of more frequent water points
and subdivision fencing.

Develop additional waters first, then subdivision fencing.

Before any program of capital development, assess current and potential carrying capacity of each paddock on the
property to identify areas that could be developed economically.

Complete a property assessment of the potential for development, including estimated costs and benefits.

Current and potential carrying capacity must be sustainable and related to the capacity of the land system or pasture
type and the level of development.

Increased stock numbers will require extra handling facilities. Decide whether to budget for new yards or for laneways
to existing yards.

Adopt a grazing system that may allow a paddock to be spelled during the wet season. This will restore pasture
condition and may allow prescribed burning to control shrub and tree thickening.

Make use of new management tools to improve management efficiency and minimise costs. These could include
remote monitoring of bores and water points through telemetry, and providing dry season supplements through water
medication.

Monitor pasture condition regularly.

Higher stock numbers demand higher levels of management, and may increase risk.

Grazing additional stock in previously under-utilised grassland may reduce:
o the frequency of uncontrollable wild fires
o feed reserves in times of drought
o biodiversity.

Identifying the most cost-effective and practical options will allow development to be focused in the areas offering the
highest return.

Understand and consider the effect of intensifying on the biodiversity of both the property and the region.
To order and/or download:
 To order hard copies of the publication email Liz Allen lallen@mla.com.au
 To download, go to
http://www.mla.com.au/News-and-resources/Publication-details?pubid=6103
PLEASE NOTE this publication has a limited print run of 500 copies and is not applicable to all areas of northern
Australia i.e. relevant only to Northern Territory, northeast Western Australia and northwest Queensland.
12
13
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Brands in the NT
Branding cattle and horses is a clear way of identifying ownership of stock, and can also play an important role in
disease control programs and chemical residue trace back programs. This is important to both consumers and
producers, to maintain confidence in the safety and integrity of livestock products.
The Northern Territory Livestock Act and Regulations uses a three-letter brand system where one letter must be
the letter “T” and a distinctive (symbol) brand system.
It is compulsory to brand cattle before they are moved off a property or are sold (unless they are less than 8
months of age). Brands can be used on horses, buffalo and camel but it is not compulsory.
A brand is registered to a person or company for use on a nominated NT property only. Under no circumstances
are these brands to be used in any other State or Territory. This means the branding iron can only be used
by the registered owner (or their representative) on the registered Northern Territory property as stated on
NT Brand Certificate/s. It does not restrict branded cattle being agisted on other properties. To brand on a NT
property not registered with the Registrar is an infringement of the Livestock Act and Regulations and is an offence
that incurs a penalty.
Check out our Website www.nt.gov.au/d/animalhealth Brands in the NT or contact your RLBO for assistance.
Darwin Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8999 2030
Katherine Region
Greg Scott (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8973 9754
Tennant Creek Region
Tom Haines (A/RLBO)
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Alice Springs Region
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8951 8125
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Do you keep poultry, pigs, pigeons, sheep,
goats, deer, horses, cattle, buffalo,
camelids?
Even if they are pets, located on a house block or a rural block, whether it’s one or more, it is a mandatory
requirement for owners of an identifiable property with livestock to have a PIC registered for that property.
Livestock Regulations Section 32(1) states:
The owner of an identifiable property must have a PIC registered for the property.
An identifiable property is a property that keeps any of the following livestock:
Alpacas, buffalo, camels, cattle, deer, goats, horses, llamas, pigs, poultry, sheep.
Property Identification Codes – Why?
The purpose of property identification is for tracing and controlling disease but also for locating properties and notifying
owners quickly.
In the event of disease being detected, it is absolutely crucial to identify properties in the surrounding area where livestock
reside. This will enable the disease to be isolated and managed rapidly as well as a direct way of contacting livestock
owners to keep them up to date of various situations.
PIC Registration is free of charge – please complete PIC Registration form located on our website
www.nt.gov.au/d/animalhealth or contact the Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer (RLBO) for assistance.
Darwin Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8999 2030
Katherine Region
Greg Scott (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8973 9754
Tennant Creek Region
Tom Haines (A/RLBO)
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Alice Springs Region
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8951 8125
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
14
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Order Forms
The following forms are completed by owner/manager/authorised representative of the owner and presented to a
rural merchandise outlet to order your NLIS Devices or RFIDs.

Permanent NLIS Devices or RFIDs – Cattle/Buffalo

NLIS Devices or RFIDs for Sheep and Goats

NLIS Devices or RFIDs for EU Accredited Properties
Waybill Books (book of 50) – Completing a Waybill is compulsory whenever cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camelid
(camels, alpacas, llamas), deer and pigs are moved outside the boundaries of a NT Property.
NT Brands Directory – Published every 6 months – usually January and July each year. Purchased from
Publications Section DPIF phone 08 8999 2313 or complete the order for and fax directly to Publications.
Check out our Website www.nt.gov.au/d/animalhealth Order Forms or contact your RLBO for assistance.
Darwin Region
Katherine Region
Tennant Creek Region
Alice Springs Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Greg Scott (RLBO)
Tom Haines (A/RLBO)
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8999 2030
Berrimah Farm
Ph: 08 8973 9754
Katherine Research Stn
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Barkly House
Ph: 08 8951 8125
AZRI
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
Animal Biosecurity Branch
Upon Sale of a Property – Brand/s &
PIC
While the sale of a property may include the stock, the brand cannot be sold to the new owners.
1. If an agreement is made in the sale contract to transfer the brand to the new owners, an application to Transfer
Brand must be lodged with the Registrar.
or
2. If the owner no longer wishes to use the brand, it may be cancelled. An Application for Cancellation of Brand
must be lodged with the Registrar.
or
3. If registered owner of the brand wishes to keep the brand, but move it to a new property, a Request to Change
of Run must be lodged with the Registrar, together with original certificate/s for amending.
BRANDS ARE NOT TRANSFERRED AUTOMATICALLY BY A PROPERTY SALE OR BY A WILL
PIC is permanently registered to parcel of land - Upon sale of a property which has a PIC registered, the new
owners must complete an Update your Property details form and return it for processing.
If livestock are no longer being kept on the property, then the new owner should notify the RLBO so that the PIC
can be disbanded.
If the property is not registered with a PIC, and has livestock on the property, then the new owner is required to
complete a PIC Registration form and return it for processing.
Check out our Website www.nt.gov.au/d/animalhealth Brands in the NT or contact your RLBO for assistance.
Darwin Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8999 2030
Katherine Region
Greg Scott (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8973 9754
Tennant Creek Region
Tom Haines (A/RLBO)
Ph: 08 8962 4458
Alice Springs Region
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Ph: 08 8951 8125
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
15
Animal Biosecurity Branch
NT Waybills
Waybills MUST be CORRECTLY filled in by completing ALL sections and boxes, ensuring you print clearly.
Please remember that both the Origin and Destination details must be correct, just writing a town or place such
as Darwin or KNX and leaving the PIC out, is not acceptable.
Origin
Destination
Property Name:
Property Name:
PIC:
(Property Identification Code):
PIC:
(Property Identification Code):
NT PICs – use the NT PIC Search database - http://pic.primaryindustry.nt.gov.au/
National PIC Registers using your NLIS account - https://www.nlis.mla.com.au/
Search the PIC register
NOTE: Post PINK copies within 28 days to Regional Livestock Biosecurity Officer
Darwin Region
Ian Doddrell (RLBO)
Animal Biosecurity, DPIF
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801
Katherine Region
Greg Scott (RLBO)
Animal Biosecurity, DPIF
PO Box 1346
Katherine NT 0851
Tennant Creek Region
Tom Haines (A/RLBO)
Animal Biosecurity, DPIF
PO Box 159
Tennant Creek NT 0861
Alice Springs Region
Greg Crawford (RLBO)
Animal Biosecurity, DPIF
PO Box 8760
Alice Springs NT 0871
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
16
Live Cattle Exports via Darwin Port – SEPTEMBER 2013
# Please note that the “NT CATTLE” figures are NT cattle exported through the Port of Darwin only, some NT cattle are exported through interstate ports.
Destination
TOTAL CATTLE (including interstate)
2011
Last
year
30/9/12
2012
YTD
1-30
SEP
# NT CATTLE
Previous
Month
30/9/13
2011
Last
year
30/9/12
2012
Difference
YTD
1-30
SEP
Previous
Month
30/9/13
Difference
BRUNEI
4,163
4,639
3,612
4,043
1,009
950
+59
4,163
4,639
3,612
4,043
1,009
950
+59
INDONESIA
239,346
201,748
176,384
174,539
3,100
20,919
-17,819
223,526
189,994
164,630
149,175
2,150
15,919
-13,769
PHILIPPINES
16,068
27,324
13,862
19,987
2,456
2,175
+281
16,068
26,337
12,875
12,647
2,456
2,175
+281
SABAH
0
460
460
0
0
0
0
0
460
460
0
0
0
0
SARAWAK
1,197
0
0
800
0
800
-800
1,197
0
0
800
0
800
-800
W-MALAYSIA
2,535
10,018
10,018
14,952
0
5,417
-5,417
2,535
10,018
10,018
12,094
0
4,417
-4,417
VIETNAM
945
2,801
0
26,975
6,790
5,791
+999
945
2,801
0
24,385
6,200
3,791
+2,409
EGYPT
5,363
0
0
0
0
0
0
5,363
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL
269,617
246,990
204,366
241,296
13,355
36,052
-22,697
253,797
234,249
191,595
203,144
11,815
28,052
-16,237
+36,930
+11,549
SEPTEMBER at a glance
TOTAL Live Cattle Exports thru Port of
Darwin
2012 v 2013
60,000
 2013 total cattle figures indicate 36,930 head
more than last year. NT cattle 11,549 more than
last year.
Cattle Head
 13,355 head of cattle through the Port of Darwin
during September, 22,697 less than August and
6,506 less than September last year.
Live Cattle Exports thru the Port of Darwin
(last 10 years)
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2012
400,000
2013
Cattle Head
350,000
300,000
NT Live Cattle Exports thru Port of Darwin
2012 v 2013
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
Cattle Head
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total Cattle
NT Cattle
60,000
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2012
2013
PREVIOUS 8 YEARS
Total Cattle, Port of Darwin
2005
205,701
2006
227,648
2007
283,046
2008
364,944
2009
347,314
2010
295,605
NT Cattle, Port of Darwin
2011
269,617
2012
246,990
2005
204,437
2006
223,407
2007
247,281
2008
295,539
2009
304,818
2010
272,749
2011
253,797
2012
234,249
OTHER LIVESTOCK EXPORTS VIA DARWIN PORT (includes NT and Interstate Stock)
Buffalo
2012 2013
1-30
SEP
Destination
BRUNEI
Camels
2013
1-30
SEP
2012
2012
Goats
2013
1-30
SEP
2012
Horses
2013
1-30
SEP
2012
Sheep
2013
1-30
SEP
2012
Pigs
2013
1-30
SEP
628
400
301
0
0
0
635
1080
730
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
INDONESIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
PHILIPPINES
0
199
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
0
0
692
0
0
0
0
0
W-MALAYSIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SABAH
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
SARAWAK
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
628
599
301
0
0
0
635
1080
730
15
0
0
692
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL
NATIONAL CATTLE PRICES - W/E 27/9/2013
HEAVY STEER
MEDIUM STEER
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
SALEYARDS
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
O.T.HOOKS
SALEYARDS
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
332
322
356
331
312
305
Nq
327
Last week
351
316
Nq
329
310
305
Nq
Year ago
341
325
nq
335
333
313
nq
QLD
This week
313
295
nq
326
Last week
336
265
330
Year ago
335
318
MEDIUM COW
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
308
304
295
Nq
323
326
331
302
295
Nq
322
352
324
320
300
Nq
325
TRADE STEER
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
SALEYARDS
O.T.HOOKS
NSW
Estimated dressed weight price (cents/kg)
O.T.HOOKS
SALEYARDS
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
276
256
264
269
249
245
265
259
Last week
272
225
280
251
246
245
255
256
Year ago
275
261
266
263
274
271
265
273
O.T.HOOKS
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
NSW
QLD
SA
AV
(Aust)
This week
342
321
338
Last week
361
306
335
342
311
308
320
316
354
309
308
320
Year ago
374
355
344
316
369
323
307
330
325
LIVE EXPORT QUOTES
Prices courtesy of
Meat & Livestock Australia
Estimated live weight price (cents/kg)
LIGHT STEERS
(260-360 kg)
Darwin
Broome
LIGHT HEIFERS
(260-360 kg)
Darwin
Broome
This week
nq
nq
nq
nq
Last week
nq
nq
nq
nq
Year ago
190
nq
170
nq
www.mla.com.au
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES
Key Currencies
1AUD =
Current
2.10.2013
Previous month
1.9.2013
3 months ago
1.7.2013
1 Year ago
1.10.2012
Pre-devaluation
01.07.1997
Brunei Dollar
1.15719
1.11804
1.14343
1.25852
1.076
Indonesian Rupiah
10,791.2
9,676.94
9,042.38
9,900.09
1830
Philippine Peso
40.6095
39.5922
39.2771
43.1146
19.84
Malaysian Ringgit
3.03555
2.92041
2.88259
3.12290
1.9
Euro
0.69268
0.67272
0.70197
0.80688
N/A
US Dollar
0.93775
0.88931
.91328
1.03753
0.752
Prepared by the NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
This publication contains commodity market information prepared for DPIF staff use in strategic research and extension planning. While DPIF exercise care in the
compilation and preparation of this information, no responsibility is taken for its accuracy or for the completeness of any information that is reproduced from other sources.
DPIF denies any loss or damage to any person whether caused directly or indirectly by the use of any of the information provided.