Meat & Livestock News

Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

TL;DR: The weekly cattle and sheep market saw mixed trends. Cattle yardings fell by 30%, but prices generally rose. Sheep prices increased across all indicators despite lower yardings. Cattle slaughter reached a four-year high, while combined sheep and lamb slaughter remained significant. Farmers must stay updated to navigate these changes. Cattle Market Overview The cattle […]

Australian Sheep Farmers Furious Over Government Decision to Ban Live Sheep Exports

TL;DR: The Australian government’s decision to ban live sheep exports by 2028 has outraged farmers, who fear it will devastate the $1 billion industry and rural communities. Activist groups support the ban for animal welfare reasons. A federal support package is seen as inadequate, and protests have erupted. Farmers worry this sets a precedent for […]

Goat Production is the Greatest of All Time

TL;DR: Australia sets a new record for goat slaughter and meat production in Q1 2024, with increased processing capacity and rising goat meat availability worldwide. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently released the production and slaughter figures for the first quarter of 2024. Record-Breaking Numbers In the first three months of 2024, Australia processed […]

AMIC Celebrates China Lifting Suspensions for Aussie Export Plants

TL;DR: China lifts export bans on five Australian meat processors; AMIC continues efforts to lift remaining suspensions and restart market opportunities. The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) is pleased with China’s decision to lift export bans on five out of seven Australian meat processors suspended in 2020 for technical reasons. This decision follows the removal […]

Cattle Australia Statement on Greenpeace Report

TL;DR: The Australian cattle industry focuses on sustainable practices, supporting communities and wildlife. Research and strict regulations highlight our environmental efforts, and we engage with stakeholders to improve and meet international standards. Proud of Our Industry The Australian cattle industry is proud of the safe, nutritious red meat we produce. This supports our communities and […]

Launch of the National Young Cattle Indicator

TL;DR: Meat & Livestock Australia launched the National Young Cattle Indicator (NYCI) to provide detailed insights into the national restocker market, enhancing decision-making across the beef industry. Today, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) introduced the National Young Cattle Indicator (NYCI) at Beef Australia, providing a comprehensive overview of the national restocker market. An Improved Market […]

Beef Industry: Move Beyond Ideological Battles

TL;DR: Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key advised beef producers to focus on mainstream Australia instead of extreme groups, using effective communication to promote industry benefits, ensuring future prosperity and leveraging cultural narratives to enhance public perception and support for agriculture. Focus on Mainstream Engagement Sir John Key, the respected former Prime Minister […]

Crisis for Farmers Following Live Sheep Export Ban

TL;DR: The federal ban on live sheep exports severely impacts Victorian farmers, showing a disconnect with agricultural practices and threatening food security and farmer livelihoods. Sudden Change The federal Labor government’s recent decision to ban live sheep sea exports has sparked intense concern among Victorian farmers. The Victoria Farmers Federation (VFF) claims the move shows […]

Stability in Australian Meat Exports Amid Global Shifts

TL;DR: Australian beef exports surged in April 2023, diversifying significantly despite a decline to China. Sheepmeat also hit record highs, with the MENA region becoming a leading mutton market. Beef Exports Surge April 2023 saw Australian beef exports jump 46%, reaching 113,431 tonnes. This volume marks the highest for April since 2015 and the second […]

Rising Demand for Australian Lamb in Overseas Markets

TL;DR: Demand for Australian lamb in the US has significantly increased, boosting prices. Despite general market softening, strong overseas demand supports robust pricing, positioning Australian lamb well in global markets for the foreseeable future. Strong Uptake in the US Since December, the American appetite for Australian lamb has surged impressively. Just before Christmas, prices for […]