That is a 2.3 per cent jump from the previous year, due mainly to improved seasonal conditions which have led to heavier-than-average carcase weights.

Prices are also expected to remain high, thanks to growing global demand and the fact that Australia is among only a handful of major beef-producing countries likely to increase production this year.

“Total beef exports are predicted to increase, driven by expansion into Russia, the Middle East and the most southern Asian markets,” MLA economist Tim McRae said in a statement.

The boost in production makes up for the expected decline in live cattle exports this year, which has been driven predominantly by Indonesia’s decision to cut import permits from more than 520,000 to only 283,000 head.

The move, meant to promote Indonesia’s aim of self-sufficiency, is likely to drag down Australia’s total live exports by 16 per cent in 2012 to 570,000 head.

The MLA report also gives an overview of how 2011 panned out, noting that Indonesia was by no means the only volatile live cattle market.

Exports to the Middle East and Africa, including Turkey – the second biggest importer of live cattle behind Indonesia – came in below expectations, about 40 per cent below the previous year.

Exports to China, the third biggest market, went down by 25 per cent, although that was mainly dairy animals.

The live export trade is battling to regroup after the federal government banned exports to Indonesia in mid-2011 off the back of video footage exposing cruelty in local abattoirs.

The trade was stopped for a month, which the opposition insists has severely compromised the $300 million industry.