There is big news rippling through the Australian livestock sector and for local producers here in the Gunnedah basin and across North West NSW, the future is looking remarkably bright!
According to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Cattle Industry Projections update, national beef and veal production is on track to smash through the three million tonne milestone for the first time in history.
Even more impressive? We are achieving these record-breaking figures while keeping our national breeding herd stronger, healthier, and far more resilient than anyone anticipated.
If you’ve been following the industry numbers, this is a major win for Australian grass-fed and grain-fed producers alike.
In years past, slaughter rates at current levels would have meant a sharp, worrying contraction in national cattle numbers. But thanks to improved seasonal conditions, targeted genetic gains, better reproductive performance, and faster turn-offs, our producers are getting more beef from a leaner, higher-performing herd.
Here are the standout highlights from the forecast:
While shifting exchange rates and changing international tariffs mean exporters are navigating a dynamic global trade landscape, Australia’s reputation for premium, traceable quality keeps us right at the front of the line.
For livestock producers around Gunnedah, these projections point to genuine long-term opportunity. While market cycles naturally fluctuate week-to-week, the medium-term fundamentals driven by global supply shortages and domestic efficiency gains remain solidly in our favour.
As carcase weights increase and international buyers lean on Australian supply, forward planning and smart herd management are your best tools to capture top dollar.
Want to dive deeper into the data and discover how to position your enterprise for the years ahead?
The MLA Market Information Team is hosting a live, industry-essential webinar to walk stakeholders through the full outlook out to 2028.
Don't leave your herd strategy to guesswork, take advantage of the insights and set your operation up to thrive.
When a tariff triggers a shift in global shipping routes, it’s rarely just a headline for trade analysts, it’s something that eventually hits home at the feedlot gate and processing plant floor.
With spring rolling through North West NSW, we’re seeing a solid, firm tone in local markets like Gunnedah. Restocker demand has kicked up, particularly for quality breeding stock and young cows with calves—as producers look to build back with confidence. But with every dollar on feed counting and land management top of mind, keeping the right females in your herd isn't just good practice, it's what keeps your business resilient for the long haul.
I couldn't make it to Gold Coast for BeefEx 2026 last week, but following the updates from afar and reading through the insights that were unpacked during the sessions, one big question keeps rattling around in my head: Are we actually ready to step back, look in the mirror, and learn from how other industries do things?
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