MLA economist, Tim McRae, Sydney, said cattle producers could expect a robust domestic market into 2011, while beef and live cattle exports to key markets were also likely to launch a steady recovery.

The cattle herd was also predicted to maintain its rebuilding phase on the back of declining numbers due to ongoing drought.

Some of the questions marks raised affecting the future of beef were the ongoing global recovery, the value of the Australian dollar and declining live export of cattle to Indonesia.

Overall the better seasonal conditions in the eastern States set the industry up for a good end to 2010, Mr McRae said.

* Full analysis of the report in this week's Rural Press papers.