New pastoral cattle group

Pastoralists have been asked to support their very own industry body after the historic first meeting of the Kimberley Cattleman's Association in Broome.

KCA chairman Peter Camp welcomed Gill Stasson as the newly appointed executive officer at the recent meeting attended by local government and key industry group representatives, as well as KCA members.

Mr Stassen singled out KCA volunteer executives for creating the new body.

"At times, I'm sure it must seem an impossible task in getting industry support and funding for the KCA," he said.

"The outcome is a testament to their dedication and passion for the future of the Kimberley and Pilbara cattle industries, but it's clearly up (to) the pastoralists to return the hard work by now supporting their very own industry body."

The meeting had eight guest speakers, including Meat and Livestock Australia chief executive Richard Norton.

He spoke in detail about industry structures, dynamics of the markets and, in particular, levies and how they are redistributed to industry.

Mr Norton also provided insight into how marketing investment decisions were reached with regards to a specific MLA investment.

Mr Stassen said there had been a monumental shift in the past couple of years in demand for beef in emerging and developing countries and future demand would exceed ability to supply.

"My role at the KCA will be about capacity building, strengthening the supply chain, value adding the farm gate value chain and identifying new opportunities and sustainable trade development," he said.

Mr Stassen said lifting the bar on competitors was another important focus.

"The Kimberly-Pilbara producers need to be more pro-active on the export job," he said.

"It becomes a real risky business when you are predominantly relying on just one market, or one or two buyers.

"It is important to broaden our base into other overseas markets, not waiting for the phone call but identifying and establishing new opportunities.

"Producers need to be able to plan for the future and sustainability is key to a successful business model, and exporting cattle is no different."