Australian Cattle Enterprises (ACE) - a Darwin-based concern in the live export industry - loaded 4,500 steers and bulls onto a livestock carrier on May 7 for its first consignment to Vietnam.

Patrick Underwood is the managing director of the new export company,
Australian Cattle Enterprises. (Photo: ABC Rural)

Speaking to Australia’s ABC Rural as the shipment was being prepared, ACE Founder and Managing Director Patrick Underwood said it was “a really proud moment”.

The ship was originally to leave Townville Port on April 30 but was delayed for a week at the behest of the Vietnamese importer, he said, who was experiencing slower sales and a social distancing period.

COVID-19 had caused some “nervous moments” for the new Australian company.

Underwood said finding staff, including veterinarians, to work on ships during the pandemic has been challenging for the entire live export trade but he was pleased to receive support from the wider industry as well as the Australian Government.

The cattle were all sourced from Queensland and are being exported to Vietnam’s largest importer of Australian livestock - Hoa Phat.

The company has two shipments planned for May and another two for June, while a third out of Darwin will also have buffaloes on board, he said.