Australia’s beef production to cross 3mn t in 2026: MLA

Market: Agriculture
22/09/26

Australia's annual beef production is expected to exceed 3mn t in carcase weight terms in 2026 — a new annual record — due to higher slaughter numbers and historically high throughput at the nation's feedlots.

Improved seasonal conditions, productivity gains and a slower-than-expected reduction in the national herd, which stands at 30.8mn head, are supporting higher output, industry development body Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) said on 22 September.

Turnoff from feedlots, which raise beef production volumes due to higher-nutrient grain feeding, exceeded 4mn head in the year to 30 June, MLA said. Average carcase weights are expected to reach 313kg and rise further in coming years as slaughter shifts towards heavier steers and bullocks, as grain-fed beef output grows.

Beef exports will reach 2.4mn t in 2026, as global demand rises due to tight supply in key producing countries.

Slaughter numbers are expected to reach 9.6mn head in 2026, up by 300,000 head from a year earlier, a figure which previously would have signalled a sharper contraction in the national herd, MLA said. But a more productive herd with better fertility rates, faster turnoff and favourable weather, has enabled the industry to sustain turn-off rates alongside a higher breeding base.

Slaughter rates are expected to ease to 9.2mn head in 2027 and 8.8mn head in 2028, MLA said. But beef output will remain above 2025 levels of 2.87mn t due to rising carcase weights, MLA said, despite a smaller herd and lower slaughter numbers.

Australia's beef production rose to 770,722t on a trend basis in April-June, up by 10pc on the year and 2.3pc on the quarter.

By Tom Major

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18/09/26

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18/09/26

Pakistan ethanol producers pursue EU fuel market access

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17/09/26

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France looks to barley to replace lost rapeseed areas

15/09/26

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15/09/26

France looks to barley to replace lost rapeseed areas

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15/09/26

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