Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association (NTLEA) members have already shipped more than A$260 million worth of cattle this year from their home port of Darwin, reflecting improving supply and demand conditions across the northern Australia cattle export trade in 2024.
The association, which is currently conducting a nationwide search for a CEO, represents licenced Australian exporters, road and maritime transport and logistics businesses, accredited livestock veterinarians, fodder specialists and quarantine yard operators.
It also owns and operates the Berrimah pre-export quarantine facility in Darwin which handles 70,000 cattle per annum for export through the Port of Darwin.
NTLEA Chair Nick Thorne said the return of more workable market conditions this year has been reflected in the volume of trade activity so far in 2024, with 70 livestock carrier calls to the port of Darwin and approximately 200,000 head loaded.
The CIF value of cargo loaded already this year is around USD $175 million (AUD $260 million).
This is also despite a very late start to the year due to the delayed release of permits in the lead up to the Indonesian presidential elections and an extended wet season delaying the start of mustering rounds for many northern stations.
Mr Thorne said the NTLEA, which marks its 45th anniversary in 2024, plays a key role as a facilitator of international agricultural commerce and has been busy behind scenes “getting on with business to allow trade to flow”.
He said the NTLEA CEO position presented “a great opportunity to grow individually and to earn a reputation, both in the cattle industry and beyond”.
“It is a perfect opportunity to expand horizons and develop a career in the cattle or the corporate world.”
Leading industry figures who have previously worked in the role include Patrick Underwood and Lach Mackinnon.
When the NTLEA appointed its first CEO in 2000, Patrick Underwood was the successful applicant to fill the inaugural position.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to be the inaugural CEO of the NTLEA,” Mr Underwood said.
“I remember meeting the executive for the interview – the likes of Sid Parker, Steve Ellison, David Heath and John Quintana who were legends in my eyes. Later in the role, I would listen in awe to their stories and how they had opened markets and delivered cattle and buffalo where they hadn’t been delivered before.
“But even back then the industry was changing, with firstly self-regulation tried and then Government regulation. There were rises and falls in the markets, seasonal issues, political issues both in Australia and overseas. No two days were the same and I had to learn fast. I was given great autonomy but with that comes great responsibility and I had to learn to use some initiative.
“It wasn’t easy, and I had to learn a lot culturally and I had to learn to communicate with many different people from all walks of life. I had some incredible in-market experiences and made friends across SE Asia and throughout Australia. I learned to trust and be trusted as people shared their experiences and lives with me, and this helped develop me a lot as a person.”
Lach McKinnon was the NTLEA CEO from 2004 until 2008 when he became CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporter’s Council.
He said the experiences from that time were still relevant and of value today.
From industry stakeholders to foreign Government dignitaries, he said learning how important it was be able to relate to a vast spectrum of people had left a big impact on him.
“The chairman at the time, Steve Ellison Esq, said to me you need to be comfortable to drink rum with the ringers and tea with the Queen, in the same day…… It was the most solid piece of advice I have ever been given and is relevant wherever you go or whatever you do.”
He said an incoming CEO could look forward to exposure to the northern Australian cattle industry and the vast knowledge of those in the live export industry.
“Essentially, it gives you a foot in the door to the most dynamic industry in Australian agriculture.”