Processing

Weekly kill: Handbrake comes on slaughter market, in a big way

There’s been a sharp change in the supply/demand dynamics in eastern states processing this week. A number of large multi-site operators from QLD to SA have withdrawn their direct consignment quotes for the time being, confident that they have kill slots covered for the immediate future. Others have dropped rates up to 20c/kg since last Wednesday..Read More

Jon Condon, 12/03/2024

Weekly kill: Weather continues to impact kills, while CQ rates drop 10c

Weather continues to play a part in slaughter cattle livestock access in Qld and northern NSW this week, as it has for most of the first couple of months of the new year. After starting the year on level terms with plants in southern QLD, Central QLD processors have dropped comparative rates 10c/kg, as supply starts to grow ..Read More

Jon Condon, 05/03/2024

AMIC launches Migrant Worker Employer Code of Conduct

The Australian Meat Industry Council has announced the establishment of the Migrant Worker Code of Conduct, in a bid to underscore the red meat industry’s commitment to the fair and ethical treatment of migrant workers…Read More

Beef Central, 05/03/2024

Weekly kill: Slaughter rates continue to climb, as year unfolds

The national slaughter statistics for the week ended Friday show last week was the largest adult cattle kill for the year so far, hitting 127,465 head. Apart from a brief rush later last year due to dry conditions pushing extra cattle to market, it’s the biggest national kill seen since the tail-end of the drought in May 2020…Read More

Jon Condon, 28/02/2024

Weekly kill: Grid prices steady, after last week’s 10c/kg falls

EXPECT to see some rising numbers in Queensland slaughter statistics in coming weeks, as new capacity and a return to work for some larger northern plants are captured in NLRS..Read More

Jon Condon, 20/02/2024

Weekly kill: Grids show 10c/kg slide as cattle supply starts to get in front of demand

The handbrake has been gently but firmly applied to the slaughter and feeder cattle markets this week, with direct consignment rates for slaughter cattle typically back 10c/kg and the saleyard system showing even larger falls. Some processors are now reporting three-week delays on kill slots for over-the-hooks bookings…Read More

Jon Condon, 13/02/2024

Processor labour challenges easing, but what happens as beef production grows?

Encouraging signs are emerging that the worst of the red meat processing labour challenges experienced last year may have passed – but expanding kill volumes this year and next may yet see the problem return…Read More

Beef Central, 07/02/2024

Weekly kill: Four drivers behind this week’s surge in cattle supply, as weather impact eases

There’s been a noticeable surge in slaughter cattle supply this week, via both direct consignment and saleyards channels, as country across eastern Australia starts to dry out after late January rain. Four main reasons have been offered to explain it

There appears to be a number of influences in play driving producer decisions to sell:..Read More

Jon Condon, 06/02/2024

Meat Business Women conference aims to empower female leadership and inclusivity in the meat industry

The Australian Meat Business Women national conference is returning this year after a hiatus in 2023…Read More

Beef Central, 06/02/2024

Weekly kill: Weather disruptions plague processing operations  

Weather continues to plague beef processing operations across QLD this week, with the remnants of Cyclone Kirrilly continuing to deliver heavy rain. Plants across Central and Southern QLD are struggling to maintain supply in the early stages of this week, and some said the impact is likely to last until mid-February…Read More

Jon Condon, 30/01/2024

US beef industry trials remote carcase grading to help small processors

The United States Department of Agriculture has launched a new trial aiming to give small beef processing plants access to meat grading – by allowing grading staff to assess carcases remotely…Read More

Beef Central, 24/01/2024

Weekly kill: Cyclone impact threatens processing operations across QLD

All eyes this week are on the prospects of Cyclone Kirrily disrupting processing operations across Queensland over the next ten days or so. The cyclone threat, together with the holiday-shorted week for Australia Day on Friday has also stopped phones ringing for cattle bookings in Queensland this week, processor contacts said this morning. ..Read More

Jon Condon, 23/01/2024

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