Major Western Australian meat processors have offered to work together to take on the 60,000 sheep currently in a Perth feedlot, after the Federal Government suspended a major live exporter’s licence.
Meat processors have been working with the State Government over the last two months in preparation for a reduction in the northern summer live export trade.
Western Australian meat processor, Fletcher International Exports has confirmed to the State Government that it is willing to purchase the 60,000 sheep stranded in a local feedlot, and is working with other local processors to take on additional sheep in coming months.
The sheep could be held in the feedlot over the next few weeks before they are processed and sold into domestic and international markets.
The State Government will lead a meeting of producers and industry representatives later this week to develop a longer-term strategy to address challenges in the live export industry.