THE drenching summer rain across eastern states have created a problem. Australia's cows have grown too fat.

An obscure trade law means Indonesia only accepts live Australian cattle weighing 350kg or less.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson said: "I'd put it at more than a little issue; it is problematic for our industry."

Dr Emerson has been in Indonesia, continuing discussions on trade negotiations with the emerging economy.

"What we want to do is broaden it beyond just trade to technical cooperation so that we can help the Indonesians, particularly those in poverty, start earning some more from the sweat of their brow.

"I must say the reception of the business community and of the Indonesian government was very, very positive to those sorts of propositions," Dr Emerson said.