A SHIPMENT of 3200 cattle to Indonesia this week heralds the entry of a new generation in Australia’s livestock export trade.

Frontier International Agri Pty Ltd’s debut consignment of feeder steers and heifers, shipped from Darwin on the Shorthorn Express, was worth $2.5 million to producers in the Northern Territory and northern Queensland.

The shipment kickstarts Frontier’s livestock export trading program, which is focused on delivery of premium livestock to select international markets.

Frontier’s general manager Hamish Browning and SE Asian operations manager Ashley James during the loading of the Shorthorn Express in Darwin this week.

Frontier was established by Ruralco Holdings Ltd in December 2013 and brings together leading industry personnel with more than 150 years of combined experience in livestock, meat and international trade.

Frontier general manager Hamish Browning says the business aims to be a partner of choice in global livestock markets by employing livestock technical experts who enforce high standards in animal welfare, health and husbandry and by prioritising superior practice in all points of the supply chain, including the chartering of preferred vessels.

“Our business platform is the delivery of an outstanding product – be it for consumption or for breeding – to chosen global customers who demand high quality livestock and service,” Mr Browning said.

“We are committed to exceeding industry and government requirements and community expectations in terms of animal welfare, which is the forefront of all our activities and practices.”

This week’s shipment comprised Brahman and Brahman cross steers and heifers, averaging 300kg. They will spend 100 days in an Indonesian feedlot.

Mr Browning said the inaugural shipment out of Darwin was a proud day for all involved.

“This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by our people who have established a robust supply chain built on a foundation of quality assurance. In the six months we’ve been operating, we have been overwhelmed with the response from international customers, producers, and the broader livestock industry.”

“We look forward to working closely with our global customers and agricultural suppliers to build a high quality, responsible and sustainable livestock supply sector,” he said.