Review of the Live Export Market Outlook Reports

Summary

During 2007 and early 2008, MLA and LiveCorp, via the Joint Program, provided, on a trial basis, a reporting service which forecast the market outlook for the livestock export industry. These Reports were prepared by ProFarmer and distributed to approximately 140 members of the industry. MLA and LiveCorp commissioned this Review to obtain an assessment of the success and value of the Reports as well as identification of future options for the service (should they continue and if so in what form). This Review reports on the views of industry obtained by surveying all those who were sent the Reports (predominately by email with some phone interviews). It found that the Reports are generally well regarded, especially by producers and service providers. It recommends that the service be continued but that the Reports distribution process is reviewed and that their format and content be refined to provide greater value.