Decline in live exports forecast

Marts: Live exports of cattle are expected to show a significant drop for the year, compared with 2007, after a weak first half.

Figures for the first half, which will be available next week, will show a substantial drop in all categories, for the second consecutive year, with the young calves showing the largest slide compared with 2007 which was back on 2006.

Total live exports of cattle for the first half of the year are expected to show a drop of almost 35% on first-half returns for 2007, which was 16% lower than 2006 first half.