Hughenden graziers Alison Murphy and Mary Dixon shook their heads in resignation during Senator Ludwig's address, while grazier Barry Hughes said “this industry is on its knees because of the decision your party made,” referring to the 2011 live export ban, drought declarations and the high Australian dollar.
There were no new announcements, they said, just reiteration of the New Asian Century focus, the farm finance package and the national drought policy.
"We don't want loans," Mrs Murphy said.
"We are in debt up to our necks. How many people does he think already have farm management deposits? We need things like interest subsidies."
“Graziers in central Queensland and the gulf region are resilient producers,” Minister Ludwig said.
“In recent times, however, there have been significant headwinds that have put pressure on their businesses.”
In western Queensland saleyards last week the ghosts of price crashes in the 1970s and '90s loomed large.
Prices at Longreach and Blackall tumbled to record lows, with only half the regular panel of buyers in attendance and very few restockers active.
One line of drought-affected Brahman heifers in the 80-200 kilogram weight range sold for 10c/kg - or $18.50/head - at Longreach. The 2990 head on sale averaged 97.9c/kg or $315.91/head.
The following day at Blackall prices dipped to 20c/kg for 280-350kg heifers and 30c/kg for steers in the 220-280kg weight range.
This week's Blackall and Longreach cattle sales, scheduled for May 8 and 9, have been cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
Meanwhile, the latest live export welfare crisis precipitated the suspension of live cattle exports to Egypt last Friday, a move which it's estimated could cost Australia up to $50 million a year.
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