West Australian-based livestock exporting company Livestock Shipping Services predicts that Russia could become an export market for 100,000 feeder steers per year, after filling a significant new order from the market in recent weeks.

Angus cattle in Russia. Image: Miratorg

As reported by Beef Central earlier this month, LSS recently filled an initial order of 32,000 Angus feeder steers, which was placed by Miratorg Agribusiness Holdings in Russia just before Christmas.

The cattle will be shipped on three vessels, the last of which is being loaded in Adelaide today.

To read more about the consignment in Beef Central’s April 10 article click here.

Livestock Shipping Services released a statement formally announcing its first consignment of feeder livestock Russia under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) today.

LSS export manager, Paul Keenan said the opening of the market would provide significant opportunities for Australian producers, with the potential to export up to 100,000 head of cattle per annum.

“LSS has spent significant time and effort to ensure this first shipment of cattle to Russia by LSS is a success,” Mr Keenan said.

The contracted consignment of 32,000 Angus feeder steers have been sourced from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

“The cattle will be delivered to a purpose built feedlot and abattoir which has been approved by the Australian Government under ESCAS and which complies with OIE animal welfare standards,” says Mr Keenan.

The initial shipment of cattle to Russia is worth an estimated $40 million, with the potential for it to become Australia’s second largest market in the future.