Meat & Livestock News

Record Number of Genotypes Included in Sheep Genetics Evaluations in 2022-2023

TL;DR: This surge in genotyping and other Sheep Genetics activities has been instrumental in driving genetic improvement across all industry indexes. In an unprecedented development, more than 420,000 new animals were submitted to both the MERINOSELECT and LAMPLAN evaluations during this period. This represents the largest number of submissions in 12 months since Sheep Genetics […]

Enhanced Features Coming to eNVD App and Web

TL;DR: In March 2024, the eNVD web-based system and Livestock Consignments App will receive significant updates to improve access and functionality for users across the red meat supply chain. These enhancements are designed to streamline operations and increase efficiency for all stakeholders involved. For the first time, access to the web-based eNVD system will be […]

Modern Merino Producers Advocate for Equitable Treatment of Their Lambs

TL;DR: In an industry where the quality of lamb carcasses is paramount, Merino breeders are making a stand for their livestock. The Greener Cattle Initiative, led by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, is spearheading this change with its second call for research proposals. This initiative seeks […]

Weekly Market Update: Trends in Cattle and Sheep Prices

TL;DR: In the latest market wrap provided by Meat & Livestock Australia, the agricultural sector has observed varied trends in cattle and sheep prices as of 8 March 2024. The report highlights key movements in the market, including a slight decrease in processor cow prices and an uplift in light lamb prices, underscoring the influence […]

Impact of Female Cattle Slaughter Rates on Carcase Weights in 2023

TL;DR: In 2023, the dynamics of carcass weights between female and male cattle in Australia underwent notable variations, primarily shaped by the strategic decisions of producers in response to seasonal conditions. Meat & Livestock Australia’s analysis reveals that these decisions were markedly influenced by the absence of drought conditions, leading to a volatile pattern in […]

Australian Red Meat Exports Surge Amid Global Demands

TL;DR: In a remarkable development for the Australian red meat industry, exports have experienced a significant surge, reaching new heights in response to global demand. February’s figures show a 36% increase in red meat exports compared to the same period last year, totalling 150,118 tonnes. This growth is attributed to the robust demand in key […]

Brazil Fills Its 2024 US Quota: Implications for Australian Beef

TL;DR: Brazil, along with a few other smaller beef exporting countries, has recently met its tariff-free export quota to the United States for the year 2024. This development means that for the remainder of the year, these countries, including Brazil, will face a 26.4% tariff on any additional beef exports to the US. This situation […]

Weekly Update: Weather Affects Slaughter Rates and Central Queensland Adjusts Prices

TL;DR: The weather has once again influenced cattle slaughter rates in Queensland and northern New South Wales, maintaining a pattern seen throughout the early months of the year. Localised storms have compounded the difficulties in transporting cattle to slaughterhouses, particularly in Southeast Queensland, which saw up to 100 mm of rainfall recently. This has led […]

eNVD System Upgrade Enhances Accessibility for Supply Chain

TL;DR: On 6 March 2024, the Integrity Systems Company (ISC), a subsidiary of Meat & Livestock Australia, announced significant upgrades to the electronic National Vendor Declaration (eNVD) web-based system and mobile app. This enhancement comes as a direct response to industry feedback, aiming to make the system more accessible to all users within the supply […]

ALFA and MLA Unite to Enhance Biosecurity in the Feedlot Sector

TL;DR: Following recent disease outbreaks in Indonesia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has partnered with The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) to fortify the Australian feedlot sector against exotic animal diseases (EAD). This collaboration has led to the inception of the ALFA EAD Biosecurity project, aimed at equipping the industry with the necessary tools and […]