Price plunge could follow live trade cut

South West cattle farmers could be hit with lower prices as the domino effect of Indonesia's decision to cut its quota reverberates across the country.

While most live cattle exports come from northern Western Australia, South West farmers are still likely to be affected by Indonesia's decision to cut its quarterly quota to 50,000 head of cattle from 250,000 head of cattle in the previous quarter.

Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce reassured farmers at a breakfast meeting in Elgin yesterday that he was looking for more places for live cattle exports.

He also refused to "let the cat out of the bag" on suggestions he was close to announcing a new country that will accept Australian cattle.

"We work all the time to expand our live animal export destinations," he said.

Mr Joyce said he was likely to travel to Jakarta to meet officials and discuss the situation after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

He will argue the cost of beef in Indonesia would only increase because of the laws of "supply and demand".

Forrest MHR Nola Marino raised the prospect of lower prices for cattle farmers and said retaining Indonesia as a live export location and finding new markets were "top priorities".

"The loss of the live cattle market in Indonesia will impact on local South West cattle producers if it continues, as northern cattle that should be feeding Indonesians will have to be sent south to compete with our local South West producers," she said.

During the meeting in Elgin, Mr Joyce was quizzed about issues in the agriculture industry including labour costs and attracting youth to the sector.

The Federal Nationals MP said he was happy the meeting attracted "serious punters who wanted to talk about serious issues" rather than the so-called "tyre kickers".

The Government recently released its Agriculture White Paper.