Meat & Livestock News

Restocker Heifer Prices Maintain Premium for 12 Weeks Straight

TL;DR: For the past 12 weeks, the agricultural sector has witnessed a noteworthy trend: restocker yearling heifer prices have consistently outpaced heavy steer prices. As of 15 February 2024, the price for restocker yearling heifers stood at 304 cents per kilogram live weight (lwt), maintaining a 10-cent premium over heavy steers, which were priced at […]

Weekly Overview of Cattle and Sheep Markets

TL;DR: In the latest market update, both the cattle and sheep sectors have seen notable shifts. The cattle market, in particular, has experienced a general softening across all indicators. The total cattle yardings decreased by 3,898 to 75,856 head, with reductions observed in most states, excluding Tasmania and Victoria. This figure stands significantly above the […]

Weekly Overview of Cattle and Sheep Markets

TL;DR: Cattle Market Trends The cattle market has seen a general decrease across all indicators this week. Total yardings have reduced to 75,856, with a notable decrease in most states, except for Tasmania and Victoria, where yardings remain high. This represents a significant increase from the five-week national average. Feeder steer prices have fallen to […]

Victorian Farmers Stand Against New Biosecurity Levy

TL;DR: The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) continues to voice strong opposition against the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy, slated to commence on 1 July this year. Despite recent adjustments announced by Murray Watt, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the VFF argues that the changes do not adequately address the concerns of the agricultural community. […]

Cattle Market Sees Adjustment as Supply Overtakes Demand

TL;DR: This week, the cattle market experienced a notable adjustment, with direct consignment rates for slaughter cattle decreasing by 10 c/kg and larger declines observed in the saleyard system. Processors are now facing a backlog, reporting three-week delays for over-the-hooks bookings, a stark contrast to the situation just two weeks ago when slaughter space was […]

Government Adjusts Biosecurity Protection Levy After Industry Feedback

TL;DR: Cattle Australia (CA) has welcomed the government’s recent adjustments to the Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL), viewing them as a positive development. Announced during Senate Estimates, these changes reflect the government’s response to the concerns raised by grass-fed cattle producers and the wider agricultural community. Dr Chris Parker, CEO of CA, expressed satisfaction with Agriculture […]

Cattle Australia Reassures on PFAS Safety in Beef, Backed by National Diet Study Findings

TL;DR: Cattle Australia (CA) has responded to public concerns regarding the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian beef, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to consumer and producer safety. Dr Chris Parker, CA’s Chief Executive Officer, reassures that CA is in continuous dialogue with regulatory bodies tasked with assessing PFAS risks, underlining the global […]

Cattle Australia Calls for Fair Government Action on Controversial Biosecurity Levy

TL;DR: Cattle Australia (CA) has once more reached out to the Australian Government, advocating for a genuine engagement with grass-fed cattle producers and the wider agricultural community regarding the contentious Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL) Bill. Dr Chris Parker, CA’s Chief Executive Officer, voiced frustration over the perceived lack of proper consultation and consideration of the […]

Australian Red Meat Exports Kick Off 2024 with a Bang, Surging to Meet US Demand

TL;DR: As the new year unfolds, Australia’s red meat sector has hit the ground running, showcasing a significant uptick in exports across the board. January’s figures reveal a robust 41% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with a total of 133,146 swt of red meat shipped overseas. This surge is attributed to heightened […]

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Weekly Summary for Early February 2024

TL;DR: In the first week of February 2024, Australia’s cattle and sheep markets experienced varied trends, with significant movements in both pricing and slaughter numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments across the sectors: Cattle Market Dynamics: The cattle market presented a mixed picture, with feeder and restocker steers seeing price increases, while other […]