March 10, 2025

 

Australia's cattle herd to drop by 1.4% this year

 

 

The Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is expecting Australia's cattle herd to decline in 2025 as record production, slaughter, and exports meet demand.

 

The cattle herd is projected to fall by 1.4% to 30.1 million head this year due to increased turn-off of older breeding cows and dry conditions in southern Australia.

 

MLA managing director Michael Crowley said the industry projections show that the red meat industry is ready to respond to global demand in 2025.

 

"Record production and elevated slaughter rates are being met with strong demand from well-established relationships with customers throughout the global supply chain," he said.

 

Australia produced more beef than ever in 2024, despite slaughter volumes being 7% below the previous record in 2014. This was due to higher carcase weights, primarily due to increased grain fed production.

 

Crowley said producers are growing more efficient and productive cattle compared to 10 years ago.

 

"This is important considering the significant global demand for beef will continue this year, leading to another record production year," he added. "Australia is currently in an opposite supply cycle to major beef-producing competitors such as the United States and Brazil.

 

"As the US begins its long-overdue herd rebuild and drought conditions in Brazil ease, global beef supply is expected to tighten."

 

Crowley said Australia is well-positioned to achieve record beef production and export volumes once again, but with increasing carcase weights, storage space has become more valuable, and efficient logistics are now essential to maintaining processing flow and preventing bottlenecks in the supply chain.

 

"Looking ahead, Australia's investments in domestic production, processing capacity, and global trade relationships have positioned the cattle sector well for the next few years."

 

Crowley said by consulting with producers, processors, agents, and government, MLA creates a clear forecast of the national herd and flock, slaughter, production, and carcase weights for the cattle and sheep industries.

 

- Sheep Central