QLD: Breeder cow shortage as overseas cattle demand gows

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2001
QLD: Breeder cow shortage as overseas cattle demand gows

Queensland Primary Industries Minister HENRY PALASZCZUK says the state faces a breeder
cow shortage as its cattle are in such high demand overseas.

The minister says despite improved seasonal conditions for cattle producers, the demand
for live cattle for overseas markets is likely to outstrip production.

He says the increased demand is driven by the foot-and-mouth outbreak and mad cow disease,
which has devastated Britain's farms and spread to Europe.

Mr PALASZCZUK says Asia and the Middle East countries have stopped importing European
and UK beef because of the diseases.

He's due to leave on a trade mission to Asia soon, while Premier PETER BEATTIE will
go to the Middle East and State Development Minister TOM BARTON to Europe.

Mr PALASZCZUK says the trips are part of the government's Global Beef Alliances push.

AAP RTV geb/mss/jtb

KEYWORD: CATTLE (BRISBANE)

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