He said the $1 billion live export trade was reeling because of Senator Ludwig's incompetence following the suspension of cattle exports to Indonesia in June last year, and now the sheep trade was in danger.

"The failure of the Gillard government to talk to Middle Eastern countries about our $200 million live sheep market and the looming 29 February 2012 deadline for export accreditation, threaten to grind the trade to a halt,'' Mr Cobb said.

He said that because there were different rules in different countries, it was ''ludicrous'' to set an arbitrary implementation date for the new supply chain rules.

Fairfax Media reported yesterday that live sheep exporters to the Middle East declared they would not be ready for the animal welfare guidelines that are due to begin on March 1.

It was also reported that many Middle Eastern countries are hoping for the deadline to be extended and that there was lack of consultation with stakeholders over the guidelines.

The president of the Sheepmeat Council of Australia, Ian McColl, said it appreciated Senator Ludwig's visit, which would also involves industry representatives.

''We recognise the end-February deadline for phase one was always an ambitious target,'' Mr McColl said.

''We will continue to work with all stakeholders to implement and deliver the new requirements, especially in relation to animal welfare,'' he said.

Meat & Livestock Australia's 2012 outlook has predicted that total live exports would decrease 16 per cent because of Indonesia's decision to reduce its cattle intake.