The NT's Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister, Chris Natt, is also attending the conference.

The two-day event started yesterday at SkyCity Casino.

"The Territory's live cattle export trade employs more than 1000 people and is worth more than $180 million to our economy," Mr Natt said.

"The Territory Government is a strong supporter of the pastoral industry and is keen to see the live cattle export trade grow well into the future.

"More than 300 people are expected to attend this year’s AGM and conference with one of the highlights being the launch of a Katherine Best Practice Manual and a FrontGate website.

"The Katherine Best Practice Manual is designed to give producers an overview of best practice management methods and up to date research information on a wide range of topics.

"The manual was initiated by the Katherine Pastoral Advisory group and showcases the large body of work undertaken by my Department in conjunction with industry over the years.

"All producers in the Katherine region will receive a copy of the manual which was funded through Meat and Livestock Australia.

"Tennant Creek and Top End region manuals will be released by the end of the year.

"The FrontGate website - which was developed with assistance from the National Heritage Trust and funded Enterprise Planning Project - provides primary producers with access to a range of information and resources that will assist them in their business."

* The Katherine Best Practice Manual can be accessed via the DPIFM website at www.nt.gov.au/dpifm.

The FrontGate information service can be found at www.nt.gov.au/dpifm/Primary_Indus try/FrontGate