Data Tables
Articles
Articles
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| 6985 | Australia-European Union FTA update | A group of representatives from the Australia-EU Red Meat Market Access Taskforce travelled to Osaka, Japan, in October 2023 to coincide with Trade Minister Don Farrell’s meeting with his EU counterpart for the intention of finalising a free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union. | <p><span lang="DE">As communicated by Minister Farrell in a subsequent media statement, unfortunately they were not able to make progress.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">However, negotiations will continue, and Minister Farrell remains hopeful that they will one day sign a deal that benefits both Australia and our European friends.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">From a red meat perspective, despite the inability to conclude a deal in October, the industry remains supportive of the A-EU FTA negotiations and in particular, the stated objective of securing significant increases in market access for red meat – ‘levelling the playing field’ for Australian beef and sheepmeat access to the EU.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">According to the Chair of the Taskforce Andrew McDonald, Australia’s case for seeking and securing significant trade reform is compelling.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"The EU is one of the world’s largest meat consumers and in order to service this demand, there is an ongoing import requirement", Andrew said.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"Australia’s trading relationship with the EU is based on shared values and is heavily focused on meeting EU customer demand for high quality red meat products.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"However, our ability to service the market is severely limited due to the EU’s maintenance of outdated, inequitable and restrictive quotas and high tariffs".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"This access has been largely unaltered for nearly 50 years, but to make matters worse, it has actually been eroded while we’ve been negotiating the FTA", he said.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"We’ve watched our competitors improve their access to the market and now we’re looking to ‘level the playing field’ – as the EU mantra consistently states".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"Our industry is an ardent supporter of trade reform, and we will continue to work very closely with the Australian negotiating team and their EU counterparts to ensure our position is well known given the once-in-a-generation opportunity for our industry to improve our market access".</span></p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-12-22 00:10:58 | 2025-08-06 16:01:12 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 361 | Australia: $3m funding to tackle cattle pests | <p> </p> <p>The three-year Probio-TICK project is aimed at developing a low-cost, chemical residue-free, microbial treatment applied to the hide of cattle to provide life-long protection against cattle tick and buffalo fly, according to MLA's press release.</p> <p>“Cattle tick and buffalo fly punch a big hole in the income of northern beef producers, costing $260 million per annum,” MLA’s Program Manager – Health Welfare and Biosecurity, Dr. Jim Rothwell, said.</p> <p>“Failure to control ectoparasites like cattle tick and buffalo fly is a major roadblock to improved quality, value, and sustainability of the northern Australian cattle industry.</p> <p>Project leader and MST Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Lacey, said Probio-TICK would comprise a community of beneficial microbes applied to the hide of cattle.</p> <p>“Probio-TICK applies the well-established science of human ‘inner-health’ probiotics to the ‘outer-health’ of cattle hides by boosting the animal’s innate resistance to pest invasion,” Dr. Lacey said.</p> <p>“The project has greatly expanded our existing research effort with Macquarie University’s Future Fellow, Dr. Andrew Piggott, enabling another leading researcher, Dr. Fei Liu and renowned scientist, Professor Peter Karuso to join the collaboration to provide the right blend of skills and experience.”</p> <p>This funding round was initiated as a stimulus in advance of the establishment of the CRC for Developing Northern Australia (CRCDNA). The project was recently announced by the Australian Government, MLA's statement read.</p> | 1 | Industry | 2017-11-03 14:30:33 | 2025-08-06 10:49:58 | Details Edit Delete | |||
| 6157 | Australia: 2022 slaughter and production performance analysis | The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its official livestock and production figures for the final quarter (Q4) of 2022. | <p><span lang="DE">This data has delivered a picture of how 2022 performed in slaughter, production and carcase weight terms for the red meat and livestock sector according to the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Markets team.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Despite cattle slaughter falling, record carcase weights ensured beef production remained firm. Comparatively, lamb production and sheep carcase weights reached record highs.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Cattle slaughter fell 2.8%, or 171,400 in 2022 compared to 2021, to reach 5.85m head. This volume was the lowest yearly slaughter rate since 1984.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Adjustments to performance across all states occurred throughout 2022, with Queensland experiencing a 5.5%, or 157,000, fall in total cattle processed. This resulted in its market share falling 1.3% to 46.8% year-on-year.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Victoria also experienced a drop in numbers with a 5.5%, or 67,500 head, decline in the number of head processed. This led to a fall in market share for Victoria by 0.6% to 20.2%.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Western Australia was the state that increased its slaughter rates in 2022 with the opening and expansion of some processing plants. Last year WA slaughter throughput increased 13.8% or 45,500 head.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Carcase weights for 2023 averaged 319kg/head, firm on 2021 levels. This weight was 13%, or 37kg/head, above the 20-year average and 6%, or 19kg/head, above the five-year average.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Due to record high carcase weights, overall beef production fell by only 0.77%, or 14,400 tonnes.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">These carcase weights have offset falls in slaughter. Compared to the 10-year average, beef production was down 15.7% or 348,000 tonnes.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">This data demonstrates the genetic investment producers have made by retaining and breeding high-quality stock over the past two years.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">These carcase weights have offset falls in slaughter. Compared to the 10-year average, beef production was down 15.7% or 348,000 tonnes.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Lamb slaughter reached record highs in 2022, at 21.45 million lambs processed, its highest volume since the drought-induced liquidation of 2019. This was a rise of 2.9%, or 595,400 head.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Sheep slaughter in 2022 exceeded MLA’s July release of <em>Sheep</em> <em>Projections</em> by 7.7%, or 512,500 head, to register 6.63 million sheep processed. This volume was a 15%, or 864,700 head, lift on 2021 rates.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Lamb carcase weights in 2022 were the second highest on record at 24.92kg/head, only behind 2021 rates. This weight was 9.1% or 2kg/head higher than the 10-year average.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Sheep carcase weights reached records in 2022 at 25.9kg/head. This is 7%, or 1.7kg, higher than the previous record set in 2019 at 24.6kg/head.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">A new production record was reached in 2022 with lamb production increasing by 5.2%, or 26,400 tonnes, year-on-year to hit 534,500 tonnes in 2022.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Historically high carcase weights, underpinned by a genetically superior lamb drop, have driven this improvement, alongside the uptick in slaughter.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Sheepmeat production for 2022 increased 12.1%, or 18,700 tonnes, compared with 2021 volumes. This is an increase of 12.1%, or 18,700 tonnes, and can be attributed to favourable seasonal conditions as well as improved genetics. The 2022 mutton production was the highest since 2020.</span></p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-02-21 00:15:30 | 2025-08-06 16:06:50 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8217 | Australia: 2024 largest year ever for grainfed beef | Recently released data from the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) lot feeders survey has confirmed 2024 as the largest calendar year for grainfed beef on record. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">ALFA President Grant Garey said that the data collected from feedlots across the country had shown continued growth thanks to a high supply of cattle and strong global demand for Australian grainfed beef.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Investment in the sector has driven an additional 14,142 hd of feedlot capacity coming online under the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme, lifting capacity to 1.65m, solidifying a strong close to 2024", Mr Garey said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Persistent dry conditions across southern states have highlighted the benefits from a grainfed production system which have influenced a lift across all major lot feeding states, and a 2% national increase in numbers on feed to 1,450,481 head with pen utilisation up to 87.5%.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Stable trading conditions have enabled feedlots to be consistent with replacing turned-off cattle, keeping pen utilisation steady.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Four quarters of strong feedlot turnoff has produced record volumes, with 3,140,026 head exiting feedlots over the 2024 calendar year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"This is the largest calendar-year turnoff on record and only the second time the annual turnoff hit over 3 million, showing how firm the supply of Australian grainfed beef has been".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Erin Lukey, MLA’s Senior Market Information Analyst, confirmed that Australian beef has been entering a buoyant market.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"In a time when Australia is producing near-record beef, we have seen constriction of beef production from some of our competitors, ensuring strong avenues into new and old markets", Ms Lukey said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"We are exporting record volumes of all beef, but importantly, the grainfed proportion of that has kept up with demand".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Over the past 12 months, Australia exported 375,195 tonnes of grainfed beef into a changing market share.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">For the first time on record, China was our most significant market for grainfed exports, taking 29% of volume at 28,624 in Q4. A dramatic 22% reduction in exports to Japan enabled China to take this top market share.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">China is a frozen-focused market, while Japan imports mainly chilled beef.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This market share shift can be attributed to a leveling of the Japanese market after three-quarters of dramatic import peaks accompanying consistent growth in China.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Australian herd is past its cyclical peak, though remains productive. The availability of feeder cattle in 2024 was up 25% compared to the previous year, with over 620,000 feeder steers flowing through the National Livestock Reporting Service Feeder Steer Indicator.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Dry conditions across southern states have inflated the availability of feeder steers. As cattle are turned off in dry regions, grass-fed finishing may not be available, hence a reliance on grain to reach finished weights".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Looking at quarterly averages, 2024 steer prices finished around 3% below the previous quarter to 347¢/kg, while Darling Downs wheat prices dipped 6% to $332. A downward trend in both primary inputs reflects the enthusiasm of lot feeders", Ms Lukey said.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-03-02 00:31:27 | 2025-08-06 20:10:15 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8029 | Australia: 2024, a big year for exports | The Australian red meat industry is on track to achieve significant export milestones in 2024, with total export volume surpassing 2 million tonnes to end of November, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). | <p style="font-weight: 400;">Beef exports are on track to reach all-time highs, while lamb, mutton, and goat exports have already set new benchmarks. These results demonstrate the strong global demand for Australian red meat, underscored by high levels of trust and industry dedication to quality.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">With short domestic beef supply, the United States has seen a significant lift in shipments from Australia, and there has also been notable strong growth in Japan, South Korea and the Middle East (for sheepmeat). Indonesia and other South-East Asian markets have also grown strongly.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The impressive export numbers deserve recognition, particularly as significant challenges in the broader landscape remain. Global economic pressures, high living costs and ongoing political and trade uncertainties continue to affect consumer confidence and profitability for many supply chain participants.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In 2024, MLA has continued to direct its global marketing efforts towards a smaller number of impactful projects, such as the "Aussie Meat Academy" and associated ambassador programs, "Aussie Beef Mates" and "Lambassador". An ambassador network of over 150 passionate global food professionals now exists in cities around the world. These ambassadors are strong advocates for Australian red meat and are a powerful asset for successful brand promotion. The program is also attracting co-investment from partners like Global Victoria, Trade and Investment Queensland, DFAT, and DAFF.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Alongside commercial brand owners, MLA has intensified efforts to educate both new and existing international customers about the unique qualities of Australian red meat products. These initiatives not only highlight Australia's positive attributes to customers but also drive sales through targeted consumer promotions.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">MLA's international team, in collaboration with government and industry partners, has worked diligently to enhance market access in key markets. MLA’s office network plays a critical role in maintaining positive relationships with in-market participants. In 2024, MLA re-established a presence in Hong Kong, positioned to service the Greater Bay Area and its significant business development opportunities.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2024-12-16 00:20:15 | 2025-08-06 16:06:37 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 7133 | Australia: A year of growth for livestock sector with surging production | The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its quarterly statistics on slaughtered livestock and meat production. The standout headlines are record lamb production and calendar year lamb slaughter of 24,909,600 head – a record quantity. | <div class="adn ads" data-message-id="#msg-f:1791607638508698764" data-legacy-message-id="18dd11a7a62ffc8c"> <div class="gs"> <div class=""> <div id=":17v" class="ii gt"> <div id=":17w" class="a3s aiL "> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="gmail_signature" dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <p><span lang="DE">The record lamb slaughter and production is due, to a significant flock rebuild since 2020. In 2023, the country produced 599,461 tonnes of lambs, the highest ever in a calendar year, meaning there was more lamb product available domestically and in key export markets.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Lamb slaughter increased by 16.38% to 24,909,600 head. This record lamb slaughter was 1,953,400 head more than the previous record set in 2016. This surge was driven by the largest sheep flock seen in 15 years, which includes the greatest number of ewes and biggest number of lambs resulting in record slaughter and production rates.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Despite initial concerns about processing capacity, the latest figures indicate that facilities are capable of handling the numbers supplied. Lamb carcase weights slightly decreased by 3.64% to 24.09kg, which is close to the ideal domestic carcase weight for Australian retailers (24kg).</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">There was also a significant increase in sheep and mutton production last year, a 43% increase in mutton production reaching 2,46,003 tonnes, the highest since 2006.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In 2023, Australia had its largest cattle herd in over a decade, totalling 28.8 million head. Processing capacity also increased to handle just over 7 million cattle slaughtered, up 20% compared to 2022, marking the slaughter volume since 2020. </span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Beef production saw a notable 18% increase year-on-year, reaching 2,210,954 tonnes, the highest since 2019.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The female slaughter rate (FSR) for the December quarter was 46.87%, indicating a phase of marginal growth for the Australian cattle herd after two consecutive destocking periods.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="gA gt acV"> </div> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2024-02-23 00:05:48 | 2025-08-06 14:29:05 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8042 | Australia: A year of highs sets stage for a jam-packed 2025 | For Australia's goatmeat industry, 2024 has set the stage for a busy but prosperous 2025 – from market activities, to research, development and adoption programs, find out what’s in store. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">Australian goatmeat has broken records across the globe this year. As of November, exports for 2024 have smashed the previous Australian record of 35,778 tonnes from 2014 to hit a new high of 46,939 tonnes.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The United States (US) continues to be Australia’s largest goatmeat export market, comprising 54% of all exports this year. Rounding out the top five markets are South Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan and Canada.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The majority of exported goatmeat continues to be frozen, either as a whole carcase or in a six-way split.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In line with exports, slaughter has also hit record highs, reaching an all-time high of 74,226 goats in August. Slaughter has continued to hold steady with 63,518 goats at the end of November, well above the November 2023 figures (45,700 goats).</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">MLA, in partnership with AgriFutures, relaunched the mohair production module in the Going into Goats resources. The module breaks down the basics of the industry for new producers and those who may be considering adding mohair goats to their business.</p> | 1 | Industry | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2024-12-19 00:15:28 | 2025-08-06 16:18:46 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 6826 | Australia: A-EU FTA negotiations must deliver for red meat | Ahead of what may be a final push for the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA) negotiations, the Australian red meat industry is adamant that the Australian Government maintains its stated objective of securing significant increases in market access for red meat. | <p><span lang="DE">Industry representatives will travel to Osaka next week to coincide with Trade Minister Farrell meeting with his EU counterpart, and encourage the Minister to continue the mission of ‘levelling the playing field’ for Australian beef and sheepmeat access to the EU.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">With the EU holding firm on its highly restrictive quota position, Australian officials must also be resolute that there should be no deal for the sake of a deal – and importantly, no deal without addressing the red meat sector’s disproportionally low volume access.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"Our case for seeking and securing significant trade reform is compelling", says Andrew McDonald, Chair of the Australia-EU Red Meat Market Access Taskforce (the Taskforce).</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"The EU is one of the world’s largest meat consumers and in order to service this demand, there is an ongoing import requirement.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"Australia’s trading relationship with the EU is based on shared values and is heavily focussed on meeting EU customer demand for high quality red meat products.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"However, our ability to service the market is severely limited due to the EU’s maintenance of outdated, inequitable and restrictive quotas and high tariffs.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"This access has been largely unaltered for nearly 50 years; but to make matters worse, it has actually been eroded while we’ve been negotiating the FTA.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"We’ve watched our competitors improve their access to the market and now we’re looking to ‘level the playing field’ - as the EU mantra consistently states".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The current competitive disadvantage for our products must be addressed. The trade imbalance on meat products which favours the EU must be addressed. These negotiations are the precise, and potentially only, fora to achieve these imperatives.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"Our industry is an ardent supporter of trade reform and we have worked very closely with the negotiating team and their EU counterparts to ensure our position is well known", Mr McDonald said.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"These negotiations, while challenging, must get it right. Agreeing to a sub-optimal outcome will set back any reform to our trade framework to the EU for the foreseeable future and detrimentally impact our trade resilience and diversification for decades to come".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Industry concurs with Trade Minister Farrell’s recent comment that: "if we can land a deal with the EU, it will deepen and diversify our trade, expand opportunities for Australian exporters and strengthen our supply chains".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">This is a direct reflection of the red meat industry’s position. Now the Government needs to stand and deliver.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"This is a once in a generation opportunity for our industry to improve our market access and we’re looking to Minister Farrell and his government to maintain the resolve, even if that takes the negotiations beyond an end October timeline", Mr McDonald said.</span></p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-10-25 00:15:08 | 2025-08-06 16:06:09 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8608 | Australia: Beef exports break records as global demand surges | Australian beef exports hit a new monthly record of 134,593 tonnes in June. Strong earlier months brings the combined export total for the first six months to another record - 702,220 tonnes. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">Australian beef is in greater demand due to lower supply from competing beef export nations and significant international regard for the quality of Australian product. In the 101 restaraunts listed in the recent World’s Best Steaks guide, at least 38 restaurants (21 international) included Australian beef on the menu. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The United States remains the largest international market for Australian beef, followed by China, Japan and Korea. The proportion of exports going to other markets has also increased from 18% in June 2024 to 20% in June 2025, even as overall exports lifted substantially. This shows market diversity in addition to a surge in demand. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Grainfed exports rose by 29% from June 2024 to 39,887 tonnes – the largest volume on record. This follows a run of substantial growth in grainfed exports, meaning that the ten largest months for grainfed exports occurred over the past year. This demonstrates a strengthening market. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">With weekly slaughter numbers remaining robust and carcase weights above long-term averages, exports will likely remain strong in coming months. Australia’s strong international reputation and high production positions the sector well, especially at a time of relatively lower global production. </p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-07-07 00:20:20 | 2025-08-06 19:34:10 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 7541 | Australia: Beef producers prioritising productivity over profitability | The April 2024 Beef Producer Intentions Survey (BPIS) was designed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) to support industry with reliable data. The survey runs three times a year and covers producer sentiment and intentions, herd profile, spring and autumn calving, turn-off weights for different producer types and sales-to-date forecast. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">In the current economic environment, input costs from feed costs to council rates are ever-increasing expenses. The BPIS provides industry-first numbers regarding turn-off weights based on producer type.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">There is typically a heavier turn-off weight seen in southern Australia when compared to northern Australia, with variations based on producer type. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">At a producer level, the average turn-off weight is based on producer type.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Over the next 12 months, it is expected that a large majority of producers will maintain turn-off weights.</p> <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>19% of producers will increase turn off weights</li> <li>67% of producers are maintaining turn-off weights</li> <li>12% of producers are reducing turn-off weights.</li> </ul> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Producers are expecting to maintain turn-off weights given the increased input costs which are creating a downward pressure on profit margins. This is leading to a maintenance period for turn-off weights for most producer types.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite this, 50% of producers nationally are continuing to fatten cattle until they hit target weight. If producers continue to fatten cattle without considering the growing input costs, there will be a profit margins decrease, forcing producers to sell above market price to break even.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Producers need to consider the cost benefit of continuing to feed animals and the end price received for the animal to evaluate if continuing to feed is cost-effective. </p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2024-07-12 00:15:25 | 2025-08-06 00:45:14 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 7778 | Australia: Best practice farming goes hand in hand with reducing carbon emissions | Nick Radford shares his experience and lessons learnt at a recent Carbon EDGE workshop. It’s been a challenging year on Nick Radford’s SA property, but despite dry conditions keeping him busy, the beef producer is keeping one eye firmly on the future, according to Meat& Livestock Australia (MLA). | <p style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to ensuring his business prospers in the long term, Nick is focused on addressing emissions within his operations. He recently attended an MLA Carbon EDGE workshop to learn how. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"I wanted a better understanding of it all, particularly carbon credits and carbon trading", Nick said. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"I felt like I was a bit naïve, but knew it was something I wanted to be across". </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">At his family enterprise near Penola, SA, keeping up with industry best practice has always been an important consideration. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"We’re always trying to find the next thing to do properly and stay ahead of the curve, and carbon is one of the areas which is going to get a lot of traction going forward", he said. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"We wanted to get in early and find out a bit more about the carbon space to maximise the benefit to our business".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Making a move</strong> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">As he manages the impact of the severely dry year, there’s been little time for Nick to focus on implementing any new processes within his business in recent months. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">However, when time allows, his priority will be working towards a new benchmark for his business - measuring the carbon emissions on his property. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Our energy is focused on business survival at the moment, but then we’ll look at getting a third party in to measure our emissions", Nick said. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the delay, Nick’s carbon journey isn’t stagnant. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Carbon EDGE explained a lot of misconceptions I had about what it would mean for my business - what I learned is that best farming practice aligns with the practices of carbon sequestration", he said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"It turns out we’re already doing a lot of the basics to sequester carbon, so as far as implementation, there’s probably not much we’re going to change - other than measuring whether it’s working". </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>On-farm changes</strong> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Nick has already implemented a range of management practices which put him on the front foot. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"We have a lot of shelterbelts on our farms, a lot of scattered trees, and we lock up some more natural areas, although at the moment they’re not measured for carbon sequestration". </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">After tying together those elements by measuring the impact they’re having, Nick is hoping his efforts will work towards a bigger goal. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"In the long term, it would be great to work towards being carbon neutral. We’re a cattle-only business, so methane is something we’re eager to address. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Hopefully applying what I learned at Carbon EDGE and continuing what we were already doing will help move us towards carbon neutrality".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Getting a leg up</strong> </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">During the two-day Carbon EDGE workshop, Nick and other producers learned everything from the basic terminology and concepts, to developing a carbon action plan tailored to their individual enterprises. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"The workshop was filled with like-minded and open-minded producers, and to hear everyone else in a candid environment asking the questions that I had was really valuable", Nick said. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"It was a great opportunity to learn more about it among people who knew just as little as me".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">MLA’s Carbon EDGE workshop, which launched in early 2024, was developed by producers, advisors and industry experts to ensure it was practical and applicable to all producers. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The workshops are aimed at providing the knowledge and skills required as the red meat industry works towards the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 (CN30). </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Nick said taking the time away from his property to build his skills will be invaluable for his business. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Like anything new, it will be a slight challenge while we build up our knowledge, but the more you do, the more of a leg up it is.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"When it comes to carbon emissions and a producer’s footprint, it’s something they need to measure and move forward with to ensure best practice and accountability".</p> | 1 | Technology | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2024-10-03 00:03:39 | 2025-08-06 16:21:19 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8154 | Australia: Better breeding from ewe lambs | The de Fegely family has been breeding ewe lambs for almost 15 years, but the practice has not been without its challenges. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">The family, who participated in the MLA-supported 'More lambs from ewe lambs' research, spent the past year changing their breeding processes – and the results have been pleasing.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">They deliver 700 lambs to Thomas Foods International each week, so having efficient and effective breeding systems in place for their self-replacing flock is essential.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">After years of poor lambing results in ewe lambs, Charlie de Fegely said they thought they could only achieve success with a genetic breakthrough.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"We've had some really unsuccessful breeding results in past seasons, which has been extremely disappointing", Charlie said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While they saw more success with mature ewes, their ewe lambs were delivering survival rates of around 60% for twins and up to 85% for singles.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Making changes</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This year, after implementing practices from the research project, the outlook is looking much sunnier.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Charlie's son, Richard, runs the operation alongside his parents, and was eager for the property to be part of the research.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Joining ewe lambs is a space we can do a lot better in, not only in our business, but across the industry", Richard said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">During their one-year involvement in the project, they used electronic identification (eID) to record ewe lamb weights from joining and throughout the pregnancy.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">They also condition scored ewe lambs – while this requires a considerable investment of time to add into the breeding process, Richard said it was a worthwhile practice which they'll implement in seasons to come.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"It's going to be an important tool for dealing with dry conditions as well. It's just a few more levers you can pull if you do go through a tough winter leading up to lambing", Richard said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"If they're a little bit heavy, you've got more options".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Charlie said having minimum joining weights to refer to during joining and pregnancy – with research finding 45kg to be the minimum - also had a significant impact on reproductive success.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"In previous years, the ewe lambs have been a minimum of 38kg when joining, and it was an absolute disaster. This season, they've been a minimum of 48kg before the ram has been brought in", Charlie said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"At lambing this year, our ewe lambs have been around 60kg, whereas in other years we've been lucky to get them to 50kg".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>A busy day lamb marking</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">It was only at lamb marking, once the count had been done, that the de Fegelys could truly consider the changes a success.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While any true results won't be measured until the systems have been in place for a few years, the season delivered a significant increase in lambs from ewe lambs, achieving a lambing percentage of 138%.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Next year, the de Fegelys will continue the new processes, including a minimum joining target of 50kg, and paddock assessments to ensure both mobs and paddocks are at the optimum size.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Given it's the first year we've done it, it's inconclusive, but the results have been outstanding, it's definitely made a difference", Charlie said</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Production data for the sector show more cattle slaughtered in our country (by 7.7%) and beef production (5.8%) as of September 2024.</p> | 1 | Industry | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-01-31 00:05:43 | 2025-08-06 16:05:44 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 6194 | Australia: Cattle and goat carcase weights on the rise | Carcase weights for beef cattle and goats are on an upwards trajectory, according to the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Here, MLA’s Market Information team takes a deep dive into the driving factors. | <p><span lang="DE">Average cattle carcase weights have been increasing in recent years due to improvements in genetics and management systems across Australia. According to the ABS, average carcase weights have risen by 30% since June 2003 – when the average carcase weight was 245.86kg/head – to sit at 320.16kg/head nationally in Q4 2022.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Attributed in part to the higher numbers on feed, Queensland cattle were, on average, the heaviest cattle with weights 5% higher than the national average in Q4.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">According to the ABS, average adult male cattle carcase weights have remained at 347.7kg/head nationally for the last four quarters. Male carcase weights in Queensland are 4% higher than the national average and in 2022 Queensland male carcase weights reached a new record of 363kg/head, beating the previous record set in Q1 2022. WA male carcase weights also reached a new record of 314kg/head.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Female weights have also improved over the past 10 years, with the current average for Q4 sitting at 282.2kg/head nationally. This is a 38.5kg increase on average weights compared to Q4 2013.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The abundance of grain and feed available in the past three years has allowed these weights to lift more consistently across the board.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">As indicated in the latest Cattle Projections, these carcase weights are projected to ease as the forecast <em>El Niño</em> weather event comes into effect and a larger proportion of grassfed cattle hit the market.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Due to the goat industry taking a more managed approach to the operation of its production system, historically elevated carcase weights supported by better genetics and increases in more consistent supply have delivered improved production volumes in 2022.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Additionally, the number of goats being processed has lifted considerably in the past two years with the improved carcase weights and slaughter numbers enabling production to increase dramatically. According to the ABS, goat production reached 8,377 tonnes carcase weight in Q4 2022 and goat slaughter hit record levels in March 2022 with 36,610 head processed.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Victoria, Queensland and SA recorded the highest goat weights, with Victorian weights 6% higher than the national average.</span></p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-03-01 00:10:21 | 2025-08-06 11:06:54 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8494 | Australia: Cattle and lamb turn off surges as seasonal conditions bite | Australia’s red meat sector has recorded a significant lift in cattle and lamb slaughter volumes in the first quarter of 2025, with producers responding to varied seasonal conditions across the country, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). | <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Cattle</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed that cattle slaughter reached 2.2 million head for the quarter, up 2% from Q4 2024 and 20% higher year-on-year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This marks the largest quarterly cattle slaughter in Victoria since 1979, and in New South Wales since 2015, with volumes lifting 5% and 7% respectively. South Australia also recorded its highest quarterly cattle slaughter since 2017, up 16%, driven by tough seasonal conditions prompting early turnoff.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite recent flooding and cyclones, Queensland’s cattle slaughter rate eased by 2%, reflecting improved seasonal conditions that allowed producers to retain stock longer. Western Australia saw a 4% decline, while Tasmania lifted 4%.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The female slaughter rate (FSR) rose to 52.7%, indicating elevated female turnoff, particularly in South Australia and Victoria. However, according to MLA’s Market Information Manager, Stephen Bignell, this is not indicative of widespread herd liquidation across the country.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"The elevated female slaughter rate reflects regional responses to seasonal pressures, particularly in the south where a prolonged and expanding drought is impacting numbers", Mr Bignell said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"While some areas are destocking, others are benefiting from improved conditions and holding onto stock.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"This is most evident in Queensland where generally good conditions are resulting in stock retention and even herd growth".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Beef production rose 3% to 679,000 tonnes, with South Australia recording the largest lift at 16%. National average carcase weights increased by 1.5kg to 313kg, supported by growth in lot feeding and earlier turnoff of heifers.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The value of cattle production hit $4.41 billion for the quarter, with the average value per head rising 3% to $2,029. National average price per tonne was $6.49, with South Australia leading at $6.98/tonne.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Lamb</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Lamb slaughter surged to 6.86 million head, the second-highest quarterly figure on record, up 12% from the previous quarter and slightly above year-ago levels.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Victoria led the charge, processing a record 3.83 million head, while New South Wales lifted 27% to 1.48 million head. Only Western Australia saw a decline, down 6%, though volumes remained above the five-year average.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Lamb production reached 166,800 tonnes, up 18% from Q4 2024, with Victoria producing a record 91,600 tonnes. National average lamb carcase weights rose to 24.3kg, with South Australia leading at 26.1kg.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Sheep</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Sheep slaughter totalled 3 million head, a 14% decline on the previous quarter though remained 7% above year-ago levels.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While Victoria saw a year-on-year decline, most state turnoff lifted above year ago levels staying high following record turnoff in late 2024. Mutton production reached 74,700 tonnes, which was the third-highest quarterly volume in a decade.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The gross value of sheep and lamb slaughtered in Australia lifted once again across all states to an impressive $1.58 billion. This is likely due to an increase in throughput and production, however markets remained relatively strong in the first quarter despite the elevated supply.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-05-22 00:10:35 | 2025-08-06 12:55:58 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 5914 | Australia: cattle and sheep production increases | Following the release of the September quarter slaughter and production data from ABS, MLA’s Market Insights team has compiled an in-depth analysis for red meat producers. | <p><span lang="DE">National male carcase weights have remained firm quarter-on-quarter at 348 kg but production has increased. Male cattle slaughter increased 6% in Q3, putting it at the second highest on record and delivering an increase in production. Favourable seasonal conditions around much of Australia has seen many of these cattle come to weight with new season stock maturing and hitting the market.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The carcase weights coming out of Victoria have seen a 3% increase. With slaughter in the state also increasing, production was able to lift 7% quarter-on-quarter. Queensland weights remained firm as the third highest on record while NSW softened. Production for male cattle in NSW softened 4% but was still 5% higher year-on-year.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Female national carcase weights have moved the opposite way and softened by nearly 2.5kg/head. Production still strengthened by 4,245 tonnes on last quarter. Supply into the processing sector remains steady, even with rain events making accessibility difficult. The female slaughter rate remains at 44%, indicating that Australia is still in a rebuild phase.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">National bobby calf production has lifted 111% from last quarter with a strengthening in slaughter by 108% on Q2 volumes. This quarter normally sees a large increase in bobby calf production as dairy cattle are calving.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Sheep production increases have been the most noticeable, with a 19% strengthening on last quarter. Both national slaughter and carcase weights improved significantly, lifting production figures. Victoria, one of the largest sheep-producing states, saw significant increases in sheep slaughter and production despite wet weather events in the state. Victoria increased slaughter by 43% on last quarter, an improvement of 24% year-on-year. Production in the state strengthened by 53% showing the increased availability of mutton on the market. Throughput through the indicator has been increasing since July with prices softening. Grid prices for sheep have also been coming back as processors prioritise lamb production.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Although national lamb slaughter increased 2% there was a 1% softening in production. This is due to the slight decrease in carcase weights on last quarter. This is coming off the back of high weights earlier in the year, although average national carcase weights remain still 6% higher year-on-year. Lamb production in South Australia eased 12%, with a 50% improvement in goat production in the state. A movement to the processing of other small stock takes up kill floor space for lamb production in the SA. The largest lamb producing state, Victoria, remained firm quarter-on-quarter with both carcase weights and production improving by 1%.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Goat carcase weights have increased since last quarter with the movement towards more managed systems and greater interest in the genetics. The 8% national increase in carcase weights, coupled with a 46% increase in slaughter, improved production significantly to 7,654 tonnes for Q3. This saw production increase 31% year-on-year, even though carcase weights have declined during the same period.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Interest in goatmeat production continues to rise and demand remains strong from the USA. Goat exports have increased 28% year-on-year, with the USA, South Korea and Taiwan as the top destinations. Exports to the USA alone have increased 15% year-on-year.</span></p> | 1 | Industry | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2022-12-05 04:30:42 | 2025-08-06 15:56:12 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 6625 | Australia: Cattle and sheep slaughter remain elevated | Elevated year-on-year slaughter has been occurring most weeks across cattle, sheep and lambs this year, informs Meat & Livestock Australia. Increased supply on the market and cheaper livestock prices have led to processors filling contracts weeks in advance. | <p><span lang="DE">During winter, yardings generally tighten. Most processors take this time to complete their shutdown and maintenance periods, hence the significant decrease in slaughter numbers every winter. These planned shutdown periods are now coming to an end, with most processors back online. As a result, there was a lift in slaughter numbers this week.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Cattle slaughter strengthened 2.4% week-on-week, 20% higher than the same week last year. Queensland plants have been able to maintain fairly stable slaughter over the last month, supporting the easing in numbers in southern states.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">NSW dipped to 28,607 head last week and has now increased by 11% week-on-week. National numbers are up by 28% or 685,175 head year-to-date, indicating the current supply on the market.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">National female slaughter reached 48.5% this week, with some states recording very high female percentages. Low female slaughter in Queensland is bringing the national average down. Victorian female slaughter is usually much higher than in other states, as most of the dairy herd is in Victoria.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Sheep slaughter increased 120% week-on-week after dipping below 2022 levels. This follows shutdown periods as well as seasonal lows during joining season. Sheep yardings are beginning to increase again as weaning is completed and producers cull older ewes retained during the rebuild.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Sheep slaughter has remained elevated this year, with total yearly slaughter 63% or 1,636,779 head higher year-to-date. Last year, producers were still retaining ewes for breeding due to favourable seasonal conditions and strong restocking remand.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Processors’ prioritisation of kill floor space between lambs and sheep continues to play out, with an easing in lamb kill numbers recorded this week. NSW lamb slaughter eased by 5% or 5,429 head. Tasmanian lamb slaughter had the largest percentage change week-on-week, softening by 21%.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In the sheep and lamb saleyards, the return of key supermarket, processor and export buyers has been helping demand in a market with increasing yardings. For cattle, there was some activity from southern buyers in northern saleyards, which is typical for this time of year and supports prices in these areas.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Good winter conditions in the south should result in good lamb and calf drops this season. These new-season young lambs should start moving through the market in the coming months.</span></p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-07-31 00:20:13 | 2025-08-06 16:29:57 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 8649 | Australia: Cattle indicators are strong – with confidence for the future | All cattle indicators surpassed $3/kg for the first time in 3 years. The Dairy Cow Indicator rose 19¢ to reach 311¢/kg live weight (lwt). Cattle indicators have seen a combined increase of more than 9%, all rising over 32¢/kg. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">A few interesting trends are appearing in the cattle market along with indicator growth. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Female indicators – processor categories are up over stable restocker categories</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Dairy Cow Indicator is now only 2¢/kg lwt lower than the Processor Cow Indicator. Both indicators have risen due to increased global demand for lean beef after US production decline. These two female indicators are also closing in on the Restocker Yearling Heifer Indicator. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Restocker Heifer Indicator has not performed as well as other female cattle indicators. This is likely due to the southern drought, a slowing northern rebuild, reducing the need for future breeders, and the present significant heifer supply. It suggests producers are no longer investing in a long-term rebuild. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Steers </strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Restocker Yearling Steer Price has jumped 20¢/kg lwt, or 5%, over the last month. It is now closing in on the Feeder Steer Indicator as the highest value indicator at 360¢/kg lwt. Restocker steers are performing well, in contrast to restocker heifers, with recent southern winter rain. This indicates producers with access to pasture feel they can background and trade steers, selling them into the high-priced feeder market. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">With the gap closing between feeder and restocker yearling steers, producers will be encouraged to add weight to animals. Incentive for backgrounders to add weight to animals has been lacking for the last month as the feeder steer has far outpriced the restocker price. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Demand-driven </strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">FY2024−25 is forecast to see the highest ever beef production. While high supply would usually dampen prices, these high livestock prices can be attributed to strong global demand. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Future focused </strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">High restocker yearling steer prices indicate producers have short-medium term confidence about feeder steer and heavy steer prices. When prices for a restocker category rise, it indicates confidence in high finished market prices, otherwise high premium for restockers is not justified. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">MLA’s Beef Producer Intentions Survey reinforced this confidence. It showed the industry has +53 basis point sentiment – its highest on record. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Recent rain, while not drought-breaking, has also helped positive restocker steer sentiment. </p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2025-07-21 00:05:10 | 2025-08-06 18:11:06 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 5938 | Australia: Cattle market in 2022 | Buyer demand, a greater selectivity on quality and wet weather were the hallmarks of a historically momentous 2022 year for Australia’s cattle industry. | <p>Australia’s cattle market continued to experience exceptional operating conditions on-farm in 2022, with above-average weather patterns supporting improved long-term confidence. However, the wet weather also hampered cattle performance in both the paddock and the feedlot, setting supply back well into spring.</p> <p>There were three key hallmarks of the year:</p> <ul> <li>intense demand between restocker and feeder buyers driven by tight cattle supply and confidence in the season</li> <li>greater selectivity on quality</li> <li>logistical and operational challenges were felt across the supply chain as a result of inclement weather and COVID-19.</li> </ul> <p>A key statistical indicator on how the herd rebuild is performing is the female slaughter rate (FSR), this technical lead indicator measures the number of female cattle processed compared to the total on a quarterly basis.</p> <p>Since the Q3 2021, the FSR has averaged its lowest figure consecutively, on record, over 12 months, surpassing the 2010–2012 rebuild period.</p> <p>Knowing that the retention of females has been high, longer term, continual supply of cattle in 2023 and 2024 can be expected with a larger breeder cow herd delivering increased calf drops with higher-than-average branding percentages.</p> <p>The stock turn-off ratio (STR) measures the number of cattle processed and sent to live export compared to the herd size as a percentage. The STR is also used as a lead indicator for retention of animals to rebuild numbers and with lower slaughter and live export volumes expected for 2022, the STR is forecast to hit its lowest level on record, at 24% well below the long-term average of 31%.</p> <p>Total national yardings in year-to-date terms for 2022 are down 12.4% or 256,000 head compared to 2021 volumes and softer by 45% or 1.44m head on the 2018 drought year. All states have experienced significant declines, with Queensland, Victoria and WA registering the largest falls, softening in YTD terms by 92,957, 74,626 and 36,124 compared to 2021. While NSW is only operating 28,000 head or 4.5% below YTD 2021 levels, this performance clearly recognises the maturity of NSW’s rebuild comparative to other states and that a larger supply pool of cattle are available in the state.</p> <p>At a category level, yearling heifers and grown steers yardings have softened the most in YTD 2022, falling by 41,033 and 39,936 head compared to 2021. With the yearling heifers clearly highlighting the rebuilding intentions of producers in retaining heifers to join.</p> <p>For feedlots in 2022, records were broken in all measurable indicators despite the intense nature of the herd rebuild occurring around the sector, a unique insight into the resilience and important nature of lot feeding Australia’s cattle and the role it plays in the supply chain.</p> <p>Compared to the 10-year average, numbers on feed in quarter 3 2022 were 9% or 83,000 head higher. While national capacity in the same quarter broke new ground to hit 1.51m head, a new record, also sitting 8% above the 5-year average.</p> <p>In line with the herd rebuild and tighter supplies of grassfed cattle in the processor sector, grainfed cattle accounted for 56% of total beef production in Q1, a new record. So far in 2022, grainfed production has produced on average 50% of total beef produced in the country, 12% above the 10-year average.</p> <p>In 2022, national cattle slaughter is expected to fall beyond last year’s 36-year low of 6,018m head, again, with weekly kill rates consistently lower than 2021. The average weekly slaughter figures in YTD terms have averaged 3% lower than 2021 and 23% lower than 2020 figures. Supply of cattle has continued to remain tight with the rebuild extending north into Queensland numbers of cattle fell further. While processors have been constrained by labour availability and a full workforce, this has also played a role, although cattle supply has been the major factor.</p> <p>While the cattle market has generally experienced softer trends compared to the record breaking 2021 (other than the Studstock market for selling bulls), its performance has been very strong despite significant volatility.</p> <p>A timeline of the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator’s (EYCI) performance:</p> <p>24 January 2022: the EYCI reached its record of 1,191c/kg cwt</p> <ul> <li>This price was 453c/kg cwt or 61% higher than the 5-year average</li> <li>The price was also 97% or 586c/kg cwt higher than the 10-year average</li> </ul> <p>1 February 2022: six industry analysts forecast in MLA’s annual projections release the EYCI would reach 998c by June 30 – the actual price was 1,013, a difference of 15c/kg cwt or 1.4%</p> <p>10 June 2022: six industry analysts forecast in MLA’s June cattle projections release that the EYCI would reach 953c by December 31, with a lower limit of 856c – the actual price at present is 855c/kg cwt, firm on the lower limit projection with six selling days left in 2022</p> <p>20 July 2022: the EYCI fell to what was then its yearly low of 885c/kg cwt as the market reacted intensely to multiple market drivers and concerns over exotic diseases</p> <p>17 August 2022: the EYCI recovered all its losses over the exotic disease scare within five weeks and again passed 1,000c/kg cwt where it remained for another three months</p> <p>16 November 2022: the EYCI falls below 1,000c as supply in the indicator reaches its highest throughput since April 2019, three and half years ago</p> <p>Throughout 2022 the EYCI has averaged 1,064c – this is 11% or 104c higher than the 2021 average of 960c/kg cwt.</p> <p>In the west, the Western Young Cattle Indicator (WYCI) surpassed the EYCI’s performance and reached its own record of 1,222c/kg cwt on 4 May 2022. The WYCI’s price experienced intense volatility throughout 2022 as producers looked to retain stock to rebuild numbers and buyer demand fluctuated dependent as feeders dealt with challenging input cost price pressures and restockers became more selective on buying quality animals.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2022-12-13 04:16:37 | 2025-08-06 15:59:10 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 6309 | Australia: Cattle slaughter expected to fall in April | Several public holidays and less working days throughout April mean this month will have the lowest number of working days (17) since 2017, assuming processors are working a typical five-day working week with no Saturday kills, informs Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). | <p><span lang="DE">Due to the NLRS not reporting national kill numbers in 2017 (the last comparable year with 17 working days), analysis has been conducted to compare eastern states kill numbers instead.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In April 2017, eastern states kill numbers totalled 430,549 head and slaughter for 2017 reached 7.16m head. This was 7%, or 496,000 head, above the 2023 slaughter forecasts of 6.66m head, suggesting that April 2023’s monthly slaughter will most likely remain below the April totals seen in 2017.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In 2022, the weekly average kill rate for the four weeks of April was 83,492 head – a decline of 5% on the preceding four weeks in March. Kill numbers for the first four months of 2022 were significantly impacted by transport access, COVID-19 processing capacity issues and flooding.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">However, when looking at April 2017, kill numbers declined by 15% or 20,000 head, compared to the previous four weeks.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">During May, average weekly kills rose by 21% or 23,000 head, indicating a significant throughput lift following April’s shortened working period and topping the unimpacted rates prior to the beginning of April.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Historical data suggests weekly kill numbers in April 2023 could average around 96,000 head. This is assuming a 12% decline on the past four weeks’ average. This would total 384,000 head, which is a rise of 15% on the 333,000 processed in April 2022.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Following the end of April and shortened working weeks, the eastern states slaughter rates may potentially lift and rise above the current weekly average for 2023 of 96,000 head, as was the case in 2017.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">A direct impact of lower kill rates in April, and therefore a decline in production, is lower beef exports. Without accounting for adjustments in demand, the month-on-month percentage fall in beef exports over the past six years (including April 2017) has averaged 11%. Of these six declines, April 2017 incurred the largest fall in export volumes, dropping by 26% compared to March.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Thus, based on average performance, a similar fall of 11% in beef exports for April 2023 may occur. This is purely based on historical performance and is not including the current market dynamics or international demand.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">According to MLA’s January Cattle projections for 2023, carcase weights are forecast to average 315kg/head. Assuming weights average 315kg through April, this would be a 20kg/head, or 7% rise, on Q1 2017 performance. It is expected the higher carcase weights may offset a fall in slaughter numbers through April, ensuring production remains buoyant. Production remains buoyant.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The current sheep and lamb processing environment is unique, with large volumes of cheaper mutton available in the market at present. It has been observed that processors are substituting lamb with mutton due to the price gap. This makes it challenging to gauge future performance of slaughter for April as a result.</span></p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-04-05 00:05:27 | 2025-08-06 16:05:28 | Details Edit Delete | |
| 6524 | Australia: Cattle slaughter rates continue to rise | In a previous article published in late March, MLA’s Market Information team forecast that cattle slaughter rates in April would decline sharply (April 2023 being the shortest working month since 2017). The team also predicted that slaughter rates would rebound strongly in May. | <p style="font-weight: 400;">The May performance data month-on-month and year-on-year indicates that these expectations for a strong improvement in kill numbers were realised:</p> <p><strong>May vs April 2023</strong></p> <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li> <p>Weekly average kill numbers for May rose by 20% or 17,500 head compared to April</p> </li> <li> <p>Kill numbers for May were higher by 20% or 70,000 head month-on-month compared to April.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>May 2023 vs May 2022</strong></p> <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Weekly average kill numbers for May 2023 were higher by 30% or 24,000 head year-on-year.</li> <li> <p>Total kill numbers for May 2023 were higher by 30% or 97,000 head year-on-year.</p> </li> </ul> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Evidently, significant increases in throughput occurred during May as processors shook off shortened working weeks and lifted numbers.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Larger numbers of finished stock provided processors with ample choice, although the improvements in May kill numbers were also directly tied to the lack of rain across many parts of the eastern seaboard at the time. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In year-to-date terms, 2023 volumes are the highest they’ve been since 2020. With this year’s figures 26% or 467,000 head higher than 2022 totals. Compared to 2021 when Australia processed 6 million head of cattle, year-to-date slaughter rates are higher by 11% or 231,000 head.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Importantly, as the calf drops from 2021 and early 2022 reach finished weights, the increasing supply of slaughter-weight stock has been met with continually improving processor capacity. Evidence of this has been seen in recent weeks, with weekly slaughter numbers reaching their highest levels in over three years.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Based on 2023 performance so far, MLA recently released its Cattle industry projections, which forecast an 18% or 1.1 million head increase in slaughter numbers year-on-year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Current weekly performance suggests these volumes are attainable.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the outlook for higher slaughter, 2023 figures (if realised) would remain 9% or 689,000 head below the 10-year average. </p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">If processors continue to operate at or around current kill rates and labour issues ease with improved access to international migrants, MLA’s Market Information team forecasts that high volumes of slaughter-weight animals will come to market as the year progresses.</p> | 1 | Market | adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro | 2023-06-22 00:05:35 | 2025-08-05 20:10:51 | Details Edit Delete |
