National herd rebuild to advance and mature following strong seasons
10 June 2022
Key points:
- Slaughter numbers have been revised down to reach 6.15m head in 2022, driven by processor capacity and supply chain issues
- National herd rebuild to continue in its two paced environment, rising nationally by 5.6% to 27.6m head in 2022
- Record carcase weights are forecast to offset lower slaughter volumes, production is forecast to rise by 4.5% to 1.97m tonnes.
The national cattle herd rebuild will proceed as a result of lower slaughter volumes and the continuation of strong seasons in most cattle regions across the country, according to the latest Cattle Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
Significant challenges around processor capacity and throughput have impacted the full potential for production which has resulted in revised slaughter numbers to 6.15m head, down from 6.7m head.
MLA’s Market Information Manager, Stephen Bignell, said despite recent challenges, the industry has demonstrated resilience in processor capacity domestically and global demand for Australian beef remained high.
“Supply and demand for Australian beef is forecasted to increase as we strengthen our position in emerging international markets such as Indonesia and Thailand,” Mr Bignell said.
“An increasingly efficient and dynamic export market and resilient supply chain will mean that the Australian beef industry is well placed to capture opportunities as slaughter and production ramps up.
As favourable seasonal conditions remain through 2022 and the herd rebuild continues, the national herd is expected to grow by 6% to reach 27.6 million head. By 2024, the herd is expected to grow a further 4.6% by 2024.
“Southern Australia will continue to drive the national herd growth with persistent, substantial rainfall in the southern cattle regions of Queensland, NSW and Victoria,” Mr Bignell said.
“For northern Australia, they will require an above-average wet season in order to turbocharge their rebuild following a disappointing 2021-22 wet season.”
In addition, as the herd matures from rebuilding, many young females are expected to come into calf for their first or second joining. With favourable reproductive conditions and higher than average joining and branding percentages, the national increase of the herd is expected to continue.
“Southern Australia are driving the higher prices in the market and the strong demand for young heifers. Meanwhile, the northern systems have seen a lower-than-average wet season, with mustering starting earlier than usual.”
Carcase weights
Carcase weights are forecast to continue to reach records moving through 2022. Carcase weights in the first quarter of this year have reached a national average of 324.4kg per head – 10.8kg higher than the average in 2021 – due to good seasonal conditions across Australia.
“After an easing of slaughter rates, carcase weights have subsequently increased. This enables production to be maintained at a high rate.
“In addition, large volumes of cattle in feedlots are driving the higher carcase weights along with higher prices, which are incentivising producers to increase weights before selling,” Mr Bignell said.
In 2024, carcase weights are forecast to remain high with large numbers of cattle on feed and prices remaining high. Strong seasonal conditions are allowing feed to remain abundant but increasing grain prices could put pressure on feedlot systems.
