From the Chairman

The last 12 months has seen yet again many developments in the trade both within the marketplace and the northern cattle industry. The NTLEA has strived to monitor these developments and act accordingly as a representative body for exporters in the NT.

The beef industry has been subject to fluctuations in foreign currency with the $AUS still on the rise at a daily pace. This has affected both feedlot and background operations in the south and live exporters out of the north who rely on currency strengths within our customer countries.

Shipping has spread right across the north of Australia with activity growing in QLD & WA more than in previous years. Both Broome and Wyndham have seen record numbers go over their ports, while Townsville has also increased. Darwin has decreased slightly due to a shortage of cattle coming off the severe drought of 2008. Overall, however, the exports have increased as you can see in the data reports provided.

The decision has been made to defer the voting of office bearers until April 2010 due to the need for time to deliver the strategic plan for the NTLEA. This coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Incorporation of the NTLEA on the 22nd April, 2010. We intend this to be the time for a rollout of a new phase of representation that fully supports the export industry and its counterparts. Remember, the NTLEA was formed and managed for the benefit of all exporters involved in the trade, and that objective will remain and strengthen into the future.

We hope the next 12 months continues to be strong and that the worlds need for food production becomes an intrical part of the operations of this Association.

Sid Parker
Chairman