Wellard lamb deal

Wellard is branching out into domestic meat supply for the first time after signing a breakthrough deal with the IGA supermarket chain.

The integrated WA-based agribusiness this week started supplying lamb from its Beaufort River Meats abattoir to nine Progressive Supa IGA stores.

The abattoir near Woodanilling - purchased from the Macri family late in 2012 - had been exporting all its production.

BRM processes up to 2500 sheep and lambs a day for export as frozen or chilled meat to the Middle East, Taiwan, North America, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and China.

The supermarket chain said Wellard's ability to supply quality lamb, not just in spring but throughout the year, influenced the supply agreement.

"In summer we know we can get a consistent supply of grain- finished lamb from Wellard's feedlot so we can, in turn, provide our customers with a consistent quality and quantity of supply," operations manager Frank Oliveri said.

Wellard owns and operates eight farms covering 35,700ha and leases another 13,500ha for livestock and grain production.

It also runs feedlots, a fleet of ships and is one of Australia's biggest live exporters.