The president of Shefa Province in Vanuatu, Lami Sope, says the first cattle auction in the province has been the most successful event ever for small cattle farmers from the islands.
He says it has opened the door for the domestic beef market to increase herd sizes.
Mr Sope also wants the new government to declare next year 'Yia Blong Buluk' or the Year of Cattle, to encourage cattle farmers to increase their herds and to improve pasture and farms.
The first Yia Blong Buluk was declared in 1984.
Since then there has been a big increase in the demand for organic Vanuatu beef, but not a corresponding lift in output.
The vice president of the Breeders' Association of New Caledonia, Philippe Rolland, a genetics specialist, also spoke to the farmers.
Mr Rolland and a colleague, Flarien Pierson, are in the country working with the Department of Livestock to try and improve the genetics of cattle in Vanuatu.
