Home - Beef Central

CCA restructure on hold as wider red meat reform plays out

The Cattle Council of Australia’s planned move to a directly elected board is still a work in progress but will not get across the line at this week’s annual general meeting in Tamworth…Read More

James Nason, November 18, 2019

Live Export

Has 2019 been a turning point year for live exports?

2019 shaped as one of the most challenging years in the Australian livestock export industry’s history, but may have proven to be one of the most important for its future…Read More

James Nason, November 18, 2019

Production

Why are researchers painting zebra stripes on cattle?

Japanese researchers have conducted a unique experiment to test if stripes can provide the same benefits for cattle that they do for zebras…Read More

James Nason, November 18, 2019

News

African Swine Fever “overwhelms” global protein outlook, but Aus producers set to benefit

Australian beef and sheepmeat prices are set to remain strong in 2020, as African Swine Fever continues to grip the global animal protein sector and pull down overall sectoral growth, according to Rabobank’s just-released Global Animal Protein Outlook 2020…Read More

Beef Central, November 18, 2019

Markets

$2 million upgrade to Roma Saleyards launched

More than $2 million in improvements at the Roma Saleyards will improve capacity and productivity for the more than 400,000 cattle that move through the yards each year…Read More

Beef Central, November 18, 2019

Markets

Solid demand for young restocker cattle on AuctionsPlus

There was particularly strong demand for young restocker cattle on AuctionsPlus this week, with weaner steers and heifers seeing strong returns, following trends at local markets. Steers less than 200kg averaged 349c, up 10c on last week, while steers 200-averaged 345c, up 27c. ..Read More

Beef Central, November 17, 2019

Processing

$280m commitment in new Brisbane further-processing meat facility for Woolworths

A new $280 million meat further-processing and distribution facility in south-east Queensland was officially opened yesterday, servicing the growing needs of Woolworths supermarkets across eastern Australia…Read More

Jon Condon, November 15, 2019

News

Looking for ideas for Xmas presents? Fresh stocks of Cattle Baron boardgame arriving soon

Beef Central, November 15, 2019

Weather

Seasonal climate outlook Dec 2019-Feb 2020

Bureau of Meteorology, November 15, 2019

Recruitment

Recruitment: Job-matching platform links skilled workers in the bush with city tasks

Beef Central, November 15, 2019

Markets

Dubbo sale 14 Nov: Southern buyers add floor to market

David Monk, November 15, 2019

Production

Producers reminded to use CVDs as drought continues

Beef Central, November 15, 2019

Trade

As 90CL beef prices boom, ‘It’s a good time to be an Australian processor,’ analysts say

Beef Central, November 14, 2019

News

ACC and Coles go separate ways in processing, brands and retail-ready work

National supermarket group Coles and its long-term northern beef supply chain partner Australian Country Choice are further decoupling their businesses, as both explore opportunities in export and brand development…Read More

Jon Condon, November 13, 2019

Lotfeeding

Feedlots start cutting back on numbers, as stock water reaches critical levels

Feedlots in some of the most seriously drought-impacted regions of eastern Australia have started reducing numbers on feed, as surface and underground supplies used for stock water reach a trigger-point…Read More

Jon Condon, November 13, 2019

Processing

$280m commitment in new Brisbane further-processing meat facility for Woolworths

Jon Condon, November 15, 2019

Property

NSW expertise brings irrigation and dryland farming to Qld’s Gulf country

Harnessing occasional floodwaters for irrigation and dryland farming appears to be a step closer in far north Queensland, with a NSW father and son partnering-up to bring their farming expertise to the region, paying almost $25 million for land and water licenses for a large-scale northern cattle breeding and finishing property on the Flinders River…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, November 12, 2019

Trade

As 90CL beef prices boom, ‘It’s a good time to be an Australian processor,’ analysts say

The record bull-run in imported 90CL grinding beef prices shows no sign of abating, with the US indicator price climbing to a new record high of A840.6c/kg on Monday. “This is a good time to be a New Zealand or Australian cow processor,” analysts said this week. ..Read More

Beef Central, November 14, 2019

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Stratham family heads for next development project in FNQ | Buratovich family secures third NT property | Locals secure Riverina’s Gundaline for expansion | Historic Cooma block changes hands | Hunter Valley’s Templemore sells to a local..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, November 13, 2019

News

Vale Ken Coombe

Respected Brahman breed pioneer Ken Coombe has passed away in Rockhampton, aged 87. Mr Coombe left an indelible stamp on the northern Australian beef industry, contributing to the transformation in genetics to tropically adapted cattle from the region’s original British breeds…Read More

Jon Condon, November 14, 2019

Weather

Seasonal climate outlook Dec 2019-Feb 2020

The drier outlook continues into December for southern Australia, eastern Queensland, far northeast NSW and much of the NT, with the remainder of the country having roughly equal chances of being wetter or drier than average…Read More

Bureau of Meteorology, November 15, 2019

Property

Movement at the Station: Recent property listings

Greenvale’s Marionvale boasts good water | Proserpine’s Yarraman Park has development potential | Central Highlands block perfect for locals | Coreena East passed-in and now listed for sale | Versatile package in Naracoorte’s Moorex..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, November 13, 2019

Production

Multi-faceted approach needed in methane reduction in cattle, TropAg conference told

A multi-faceted approach, rather than any single ‘silver bullet’, is likely to be the solution to methane reduction in cattle, the TropAg conference in Brisbane was told yesterday…Read More

Jon Condon, November 12, 2019

Industry Dashboard

$A / $US Graph

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.6810

Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

18 Nov 2019 (updated 10am daily)

Company	Price	Trending
Elders	$6.50
Australian Agricultural Co	$0.99
Graincorp	$7.73
Ridley	$1.16
Woolworths	$38.72
Wellard	$0.04

Source: ASX

Beef Kill

Eastern States, weekly

Last Week

154397

Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

517

Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

Imported 90CL cow beef price. Landed US, Ac/kg CIF

Today

840.6

Source: Steiner Consulting, MLA

Live Export

Live export feeder steer prices ex Darwin (c/kg liveweight)

Today

320

Source: Trade contacts

SOI Graph

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

-4.95

Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Feeder Steer Graph

Shortfed feeder steer 380-500kg - c/kg paddock sales, eastern states.

Today

311.4

Source: MLA's NLRS

What readers are saying

Vale Ken Coombe

Vale Ken Coombe. Ken earned the respect and trust of Mr Charles Young, owner of the Fairymead group of companies at an early age by hard work and precise....

Alf Collins CBV

Vale Ken Coombe

Ken was a progressive forward thinker who made a huge contribution to the Australian beef industry. Will be sadly missed.....

Alex McDonald

Opinion: Australian ag must grow up to grow

Brett, I agree with the theme of your column but your division of consumers in Asia or anywhere else into social classes is inappropriate. You use the term “middle....

Patrick Francis

$1 billion drought package for hard-hit farmers and rural communities

One of the problems with any form of subsidy is that the funds end up in the pockets of those most powerful in the supply chain, the retailers, in....

Andrew Dunlop

CCA restructure on hold as wider red meat reform plays out

James Nason, November 18, 2019

African Swine Fever “overwhelms” global protein outlook, but Aus producers set to benefit

Beef Central, November 18, 2019

Looking for ideas for Xmas presents? Fresh stocks of Cattle Baron boardgame arriving soon

A fresh consignment of Beef Central’s popular ‘Cattle Baron’ board game is on the water, and will arrive in port in plenty of time for gift-giving for the 2019 Christmas season. Now in its third print run, Cattle Baron has been an enormous hit with people who have an interest in the Australian cattle industry, since it was launched at Beef 2018 last year…Read More

Beef Central, November 15, 2019

Recruitment: Job-matching platform links skilled workers in the bush with city tasks

After working remotely for a Sydney-based corporation, Wagga region farming entrepreneur Jo Palmer looked at her network of highly qualified, professional friends and acquaintances who were living in rural areas. Passionate about connecting, educating and empowering rural businesses so they can access the skills and experience they need to grow, Jo established the Pointer Remote Roles website, to help employers tap into this talent pool…Read More

Beef Central, November 15, 2019

Markets

$2 million upgrade to Roma Saleyards launched

More than $2 million in improvements at the Roma Saleyards will improve capacity and productivity for the more than 400,000 cattle that move through the yards each year…Read More

Beef Central, November 18, 2019

Solid demand for young restocker cattle on AuctionsPlus

Beef Central, November 17, 2019

Dubbo sale 14 Nov: Southern buyers add floor to market

Southern buyers from the south of NSW and Victorian restockers continued to put a solid floor in the restocker market with once again large numbers of young cattle in store condition mixed throughout the Dubbo yarding this week. Numbers lifted a little to 3885 head…Read More

David Monk, November 15, 2019

Dalby sale 13 Nov 2019: Market firm to easier for larger yarding

The arket was firm on last week with the best cows making up to 284.2c and the best bullocks to 345.2c…Read More

Beef Central, November 14, 2019

Production

Why are researchers painting zebra stripes on cattle?

Japanese researchers have conducted a unique experiment to test if stripes can provide the same benefits for cattle that they do for zebras…Read More

James Nason, November 18, 2019

Producers reminded to use CVDs as drought continues

With many regions across the country facing ongoing drought conditions, livestock producers purchasing fodder and grain are being urged to seek a Commodity Vendor Declaration (CVD)…Read More

Beef Central, November 15, 2019

Multi-faceted approach needed in methane reduction in cattle, TropAg conference told

A multi-faceted approach, rather than any single ‘silver bullet’, is likely to be the solution to methane reduction in cattle, the TropAg conference in Brisbane was told yesterday…Read More

Jon Condon, November 12, 2019

Mosaic agriculture paves way beef production diversification

Lessons learned from research into the potential for mosaic agriculture in northern Western Australia were revealed at the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association’s Innovation Conference field day in Broome this week…Read More

Beef Central, November 7, 2019

Processing

$280m commitment in new Brisbane further-processing meat facility for Woolworths

Jon Condon, November 15, 2019

Weekly kill: Grids maintain year-high rates, despite growing supply pressure

Strong international beef demand coupled with an easing Aussie dollar continue to underpin record high slaughter cattle prices in some areas, despite another substantial drought-forced wave of slaughter and store cattle hitting the market this week…Read More

Jon Condon, November 13, 2019

Intercollegiate Meat Judging to return to Rocky in 2020

The Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Northern Conference and Competition will return to Rockhampton in 2020, with dates now in place for its second edition after this year’s successful inaugural event…Read More

Beef Central, November 11, 2019

Weekly kill: Grid prices stabilise, after previous week’s dramatic rises

Queensland processor grid offers stabilised this week, after dramatic 20c/kg rises seen in last week’s kill report. However further eye-catching advances in lean grinding beef prices into the US this week have sparked speculation that slaughter cow values may reach considerably higher prices during 2020..Read More

Jon Condon, November 5, 2019

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: Prices rally on wait for Victorian volume

Short covering for wheat and sorghum has lifted values for both grains, and supported barley prices, as the wait for Victorian grain in volume continues and GrainCorp issues its first 2019/20 harvest report…Read More

Guest Author, November 14, 2019

Feedlots start cutting back on numbers, as stock water reaches critical levels

Jon Condon, November 13, 2019

Feedgrain Focus: Southern rain lifts prompt prices

Rain has stemmed the supply of new-crop wheat to the market, and rebooted the inverse as consumers in Victoria and southern NSW look to cover nearby positions…Read More

Liz and Henry Wells, November 12, 2019

Feedgrain Focus: Weaker barley price buys demand

Supply-side pressure is weighing on barley and buying it some demand from wheat as tonnage starts to roll into bulk-handling sites across southern Australia…Read More

Liz Wells, November 5, 2019

Live Export

Has 2019 been a turning point year for live exports?

2019 shaped as one of the most challenging years in the Australian livestock export industry’s history, but may have proven to be one of the most important for its future…Read More

James Nason, November 18, 2019

‘Dumb is expensive’: make things better by making things different

Keeping an open mind – and avoiding premature evaluation of an idea – is essential to the process of effectively embracing change, founder of Minds at Work, Jason Clarke, told the recent LIVEXchange conference in Townsville…Read More

James Nason, November 12, 2019

SE Asia Report: New 5pc breeder formula allows feeder permits to flow

Also in today’s October 2019 update: Chinese ASF epidemic results in sharp pork price rises as supply collapses and new a FMD outbreak in Thailand pushes cattle prices down…Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, November 8, 2019

Laporan Pasar: Industri Daging Sapi Asia Tenggara – Oktober 2019

Also in today’s October 2019 update: Chinese ASF epidemic results in sharp pork price rises as supply collapses and new a FMD outbreak in Thailand pushes cattle prices down…Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, November 8, 2019

Trade

As 90CL beef prices boom, ‘It’s a good time to be an Australian processor,’ analysts say

Beef Central, November 14, 2019

Analysis: China at crossroads in rebuilding its pork industry, post ASF

Dramatic changes may lie ahead for China’s pork industry, if it is to start the long and slow recovery process from African Swine Fever, independent meat analyst Simon Quilty reports… ..Read More

Guest Author, November 7, 2019

Anuga: Two-way benefits in TFI’s investment in EU importer/distributor

Strategic investment in its European importer’s business last year has paid big dividends for Australian beef and sheepmeat exporter Thomas Foods International. TFI shared a stand with its partner Luiten Food at the Anuga food trade show in Germany last month – marking a 12 month milestone since it invested in its European distributor/wholesaler…Read More

Jon Condon, November 6, 2019

October exports: Will China finish the year as Australia’s largest beef customer?

It is not out of the question China could finish 2019 as Australia’s largest annual export beef customer, which would represent the first time in 50 years a country other than US and Japan has claimed the distinction…Read More

Jon Condon, November 4, 2019

Genetics

Weekly genetics review: Reflecting on the challenges of the 2019 bull selling season

As the 2019 bull selling season draws to a close, there are some key trends that have emerged from what has been a challenging year for all producers across the country. Despite the continued reduction in cow numbers, this year’s spring bull selling season was not as tough as many producers first feared. Strong sales with high clearances occurred across most breeds in NSW and Victoria, while in the north demand for bulls remained as strong as previous years, with total clearances at major sales…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, November 7, 2019

Weekly genetics review: Are our mature cows becoming too big?

Throughout this year’s drought, one emerging trend has been the topic of mature cow size. There are a number of causes for this trend to develop. Firstly the on-going impact of poor to desperate seasons across Australia has focussed many producers on the nutritional challenges in maintaining larger cows. At the same time, the increased selection of bulls for growth and carcase weight has seen industry question the size of cattle being produced, reports genetics editor Alastair Rayner…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, October 29, 2019

Weekly genetics review: Production systems the focus in new breed indexes

The new Hereford breeding Indexes due for release this month are a big departure on previous indexes, with a focus on production environment and breeding program as the primary drivers and not just finishing system. This is probably the first of the new direction for breeding indexes and reflects an effort to provide producers with greater opportunities to choose bulls that actually help produce cattle for their country, reports genetics editor Alastair Rayner…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, October 22, 2019

Genetics: IVF calves attract big premiums at spring bull sales

Results from prominent recent Queensland bull sales have further highlighted the impact that In-Vitro Fertilisation artificial breeding techniques are having on sale bull values, by greatly expanding access to elite maternal genetics…Read More

Jon Condon, October 22, 2019

Ag Tech

New digital ag research station to help future-proof farms

Drones, remote monitoring and advanced data analytics will provide scientists unprecedented accuracy in studying crops and farming systems able to cope with climate change, at the new Boorowa Agriculture Research Station, opened by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO this week…Read More

Beef Central, November 9, 2019

Virtual reality brings international beef customers into the Australian paddock

Virtual reality technology has helped international beef customers at the world’s biggest food trade show to experience Australia’s high levels of animal welfare and clean and green production environment. ..Read More

Jon Condon, November 5, 2019

Early adopter program aims to link farmers with agtech providers

A national entrepreneurial development program for primary producers is calling for innovative producers to throw their hat in the ring. The Farmers2Founders (F2F) Early Adopter Program has been designed for forward-thinking producers who want tech solutions for on-farm issues, and want to work with tech companies to ensure these solutions are the best they can be…Read More

Beef Central, November 3, 2019

Qld AgTech Month – Full list and links to events

When the organisers of several AgTech focused events in Queensland in November first realised how many similar events were being held throughout the same State during the same month, they started to worry – would the competing events counteract and work against each other?..Read More

James Nason, October 24, 2019