Only one producer identified predominantly as a stud operator; however, another four properties representing 49% of cattle in the Barkly region also bred and sold stud cattle as a part of their business. Producers were asked how many purchased or transferred cattle they grew out during 2010. Four properties in the Barkly district finished an average of 23 500 cattle, while two properties in the Tennant Creek district finished an average of 1032 cattle. Typically, pastoralists growing or finishing cattle in the Barkly region purchased weaners from neighbouring stations and grew them on good quality lake country before sending them on through their own company supply chain. Markets In 2010 pastoralists sold their cattle mainly to the live export market, to backgrounders and to abattoirs; many properties sold some animals to all the three markets. While a large number of stations sold to abattoirs, the total number of animals sold was relatively low in comparison with other markets (Figure 10). Figure 10. The main types of markets to which pastoralists sold cattle in 2010 The location of the Barkly region gives producers the choice to sell cattle through both the domestic and live export markets. Cattle are often turned through Queensland or a company supply chain, or to the export market, where the majority of cattle are sold to South-East Asia (Figure 11). Figure 11. Percentage of properties selling to different market destinations and percentage of cattle Turnoff Producers were asked to provide details of their turnoff in 2010, including class, age, weight and number. The major class of turnoff was feeder steers to Queensland, representing 38% of the total turnoff for the region (Figure 12). Table 10 shows a more comprehensive breakdown of the different classes of stock, with percentage of animals, percentage of properties and average weight and age of animals turned generally referred to off. ‘Other’ intercompany transfer of weaners. Figure 12. Class of stock turned off in the Barkly region in 2010 Table 10. Average turnoff data for the Barkly region in 2010 Turn-off in the Properties turning Average turnoff Average turnoff Stock class region (%) off (%) weight (kg) age (years) Bulls for slaughter 1 62 684 8.8 Cows interstate 4 46 426 7.5 Cows for slaughter 10 62 471 8.5 Feeder steers live export 18 54 305 1.5 Feeder steers NT 0* 8 325 2.0
Only one producer identified predominantly as a stud operator; however, another four properties representing 49% of cattle in the Barkly region also bred and sold stud cattle as a part of their business. Producers were asked how many purchased or transferred cattle they grew out during 2010. Four properties in the Barkly district finished an average of 23 500 cattle, while two properties in the Tennant Creek district finished an average of 1032 cattle. Typically, pastoralists growing or finishing cattle in the Barkly region purchased weaners from neighbouring stations and grew them on good quality lake country before sending them on through their own company supply chain. Markets In 2010 pastoralists sold their cattle mainly to the live export market, to backgrounders and to abattoirs; many properties sold some animals to all the three markets. While a large number of stations sold to abattoirs, the total number of animals sold was relatively low in comparison with other markets (Figure 10). Figure 10. The main types of markets to which pastoralists sold cattle in 2010 The location of the Barkly region gives producers the choice to sell cattle through both the domestic and live export markets. Cattle are often turned through Queensland or a company supply chain, or to the export market, where the majority of cattle are sold to South-East Asia (Figure 11). Figure 11. Percentage of properties selling to different market destinations and percentage of cattle Turnoff Producers were asked to provide details of their turnoff in 2010, including class, age, weight and number. The major class of turnoff was feeder steers to Queensland, representing 38% of the total turnoff for the region (Figure 12). Table 10 shows a more comprehensive breakdown of the different classes of stock, with percentage of animals, percentage of properties and average weight and age of animals turned off. ‘Other’ generally referred to intercompany transfer of weaners. Figure 12. Class of stock turned off in the Barkly region in 2010 Table 10. Average turnoff data for the Barkly region in 2010 Stock class Turn-off in the region (%) Properties turning off (%) Average turnoff weight (kg) Average turnoff age (years) Bulls for slaughter 1 62 684 8.8 Cows interstate 4 46 426 7.5 Cows for slaughter 10 62 471 8.5 Feeder steers live export 18 54 305 1.5 Feeder steers NT 0* 8 325 2.0