A LIVE export heifer order arranged for China has collapsed, leaving 11,000 Friesian and Angus heifers in export delivery feedlots across Australia.
They are unable to be moved back to supplying farms due to export quarantine restrictions.
The cattle were put together for a live export subsidiary of WA's Carpenter Beef.
The directors of Carpenter International called in administrator Grant Thornton with liabilities of up to $20 million over the failed deal.
Payments for the cattle are believed to have topped the $1800 a head mark.
A Grant Thornton spokesperson said the number of cattle affected from SA was limited.
"There were 150 cattle in SA involved, and they have been paid for," the spokesperson said.
"As far as we know, there are no other creditors from SA."
