How will extreme weather shape Australia’s cattle herd?
03 April 2025
Key points:
- Weather has a large impact on producer stocking and turn-off decisions.
- MLA’s Beef Producer Intentions Survey is now open.
- The April wave is focused on producers' plans for their upcoming breeding program.
Almost five years of strong seasonal conditions have impacted Australian beef producers’ stocking and turn-off decisions. Producers in key cattle production regions have taken advantage of the seasons, leading to heavier cattle being turned off.
The recent weather conditions, particularly the floods in Queensland, will impact cattle numbers – either due to changes in turn-off decisions or on-farm mortalities. For industry to get a clear insight into the impact of the weather events on producer intentions and sentiment as well as cattle numbers, MLA analysts rely heavily on the results of the Beef Producer Intentions Survey.
The April Wave of the survey is focused on producers' plans for their upcoming breeding program. The information producers provide via the survey is critical to building a well-rounded understanding of not only their on-farm situation but also of the beef industry as a whole.
MLA understands the evolving situation in Queensland and that it will be difficult for flood-affected producers to respond to the survey during this time. Any time producers can set aside to complete the survey before responses close on 30 April would be much appreciated and will help analysts to build a clear picture of the flood impacts on the national herd.
Attribute content to: Emily Tan, MLA Market Information Analyst
