Manjimup farmer Jamie Nicolaou concerned cattle next in “firing line” as live sheep export ban passes

A South West primary producer is concerned cattle will be the next to feel the heat after the Federal Government’s live sheep export ban was passed. While not directly impacted by the end of the industry, cattle heading for overseas markets often share the same boats as those used for the sheep trade. Manjimup avocado and cattle farmer Jamie Nicolaou said the new law put a “flaw” in the market — and leaves producers uncertain about their future. He said live cattle and sheep exports travelled together and as less boats become available, it could impact the prices of livestock for South West farmers. “I’m a little bit worried with cattle and sheep prices,” Mr Nicolaou said. “It’s that old competition thing. If you don’t have that other alternative market, then the processors control the market. “We’ve already heard (Federal MHR) Andrew Wilkie say that he wants to see live export cattle banned. He’s always been against the trade. “They’ve said ‘we’re coming for cattle next’. So, if South West beef producers think we’re not in the firing line, we definitely are.” Mr Nicolaou said in addition to pricing concerns, if sheep farmers exited the industry, they were likely to look for alternative industries to enter such as pines and blue gums. He said he had already seen it among farmers he was connected with in the area. “The pressure on farmers as we see it from Federal policies, there’s going to be a lot of farmers going into pines and blue gums,” Mr Nicolaou said. “Then you’ve got less farmland for producing cattle, sheep and crops.” Mr Nicolaou said the industry had done everything it had been asked to improve the trade. “You just need to look at the footage coming off those vessels now, compared to what it was,” he said. “Obviously, it wasn’t great in the past, but it’s obvious that the improvements are there. “I think we’ve all seen that they denied a lot of the science.” Mr Nicolaou said the Federal Government had “sold out the sheep industry, WA farmers, regional communities and businesses for the sake of a few votes”. “It’s basically inner city elites getting their way,” he said.