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.
Virtual fencing technology has been quietly bubbling away in Australian AgTech for a few years, but it’s fast moving from experimental trial paddocks into real-world, commercial country. With regulatory approvals opening up across states like Western Australia, Tasmania, NSW, and Queensland, it won’t be long before smart collars become as common on property as traditional hot wire.
After months dominated by dry forecasts and looming concerns over a Super El Niño, recent rainfall across eastern grazing regions has
completely flipped the script and we can't deny, it's put a smile on our faces.
Paddocks are greening up, and instead of rushing cattle through the gates, producers across NSW might be making the strategic call to hold
stock back, add weight, and target early 2027.
Coming from Gunnedah, you get a real appreciation for the backbone of regional communities. Look around any town across regional Australia, and it’s almost always the same handful of people putting their hands up. Whether it’s running the local show, organising community events, or putting in countless hours standing up for our agricultural industries, these unsung champions give up their own time day after day to keep things moving forward.
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