Home - Beef Central

Episode 35: Remembering Australia’s 1974-78 Beef Cattle Slump

In this week’s episode of The Weekly Grill podcast series, host Kerry Lonergan turns the clock back to the 1970s, to take a look at the Great Aussie Cattle Slump. The years 1974-78 were without question the toughest that the Australian cattle industry has ever seen. He talks to three senior industry stakeholders who lived through it…Read More

Beef Central, 22/10/2021

News

Dr Temple Grandin reflects on 50 years as an animal behaviour educator

Looking back over 50 years as an animal welfare educator, advocate and innovator, Dr Temple Grandin – arguably the best known individual working in the global beef industry – shared some of the things she has learned with US Wagyu breeders recently…Read More

Burt Rutherford, 22/10/2021

News

Large crowd attends MLA BeefUp forum in Cloncurry + PICS

More than 90 people have attended Meat & Livestock Australia’s BeefUp forum in Cloncurry this morning, where issues such as phosphorus supplementation, best practice cow and calf management and strategies to build adoption of research have featured prominentlyin discussions…Read More

James Nason, 21/10/2021

News

Connecting the dots between eating quality, yield and animal health feedback

Connecting the dots between eating quality performance, meat yield and animal health outcomes is the latest frontier for MLA’s program focus on carcase performance feedback, and how it can be better utilised by producers…Read More

Jon Condon, 21/10/2021

Lotfeeding

NSW lotfeeders clean up at grainfed industry awards

Three New South Wales feedlots have taken out major awards at the grain-fed industry’s 2021 Feedlot of the Year competition, with a fourth winner from Western Australia…Read More

Eric Barker, 21/10/2021

Lotfeeding

Smithfield livestock manager earns Young Lotfeeder of the Year award

Smithfield’s Sapphire Feedlot livestock manager James Guest was named the grainfed beef industry’s 2021 Young Lotfeeder of the Year last night, while a simple fly trap designed by Ryan Smith from Rangers Valley feedlot was recognised for its practicality in the year’s Innovation award…Read More

Eric Barker, 21/10/2021

Ag Tech

Smart navigation lifts visibility of livestock shipping operations

Most “ag tech” in the livestock industry is focused on the paddock, but one piece of smart technology has been delivering a range of gains for the sector on the open ocean…Read More

James Nason, 19/10/2021

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Property editor Linda Rowley, 20/10/2021

News

Applications for Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot close Oct 27

James Nason, 21/10/2021

News

Qld processor ACC suspended from China over drug residue claim

Jon Condon, 20/10/2021

Property

Movement at the station: Recent property listings

Property editor Linda Rowley, 20/10/2021

Lotfeeding

Millennials present opportunity for premium beef

Eric Barker, 20/10/2021

Weather

Report finds weather played significant role 2019-20 fires

Beef Central, 20/10/2021

Property

Kidman offloads 25,000sq km of Central Australian country, as sell-down continues

Pastoral icon S. Kidman & Co has apparently sold more grazing country in Central Australia as part of its recent divestment of pastoral assets. The sales hold a special historical significance, bringing to an end 122 years of ownership of pastoral land in South Australia for the iconic company, founded by Sidney Kidman in 1899…Read More

Jon Condon, 19/10/2021

News

Qld processor ACC suspended from China over drug residue claim

Queensland beef processor Australian Country Choice this morning confirmed that it has been advised by the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture Export Meat Program team that its licence to process and export to China has been suspended, over a residue claim…Read More

Jon Condon, 20/10/2021

Property

Prominent lotfeeders put southern feedlot on the market

Prominent lotfeeders Tess and Andrew Herbert have put their Ladysmith feedlot, in southern NSW, on the market. The family has plans for a significant expansion at its Gundamain feedlot…Read More

Eric Barker, 19/10/2021

Processing

Weekly kill: Grid prices streak to new record highs

Just when it appeared competing export beef processors had fired their last shots for the 2021 slaughter season, another salvo of slaughter grid price rises rang out on Monday, pushing offers in some states to yet another round of record highs…Read More

Jon Condon, 19/10/2021

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

CQ’s Bunderra Cattle Co secures Bandana for $30m plus | Record $16m for Upper Murray’s Woonoona | FNQ’s Kutchera makes more than $12m including cattle | Young’s North Dananbilla makes serious gains | Coonamble’s Cresline changes hands after almost a century | Bland’s Donadabu remains in local hands | Condamine’s Number Four exceeds price expectations | CQ’s The Peaks makes $5.7m | NSW government pays top dollar for Koonaburra | Western division land lease makes $4m | Locals secure tightly held Flinders Ranges country..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 20/10/2021

News

2016 loophole key to addressing fake meat labelling: Susan McDonald + PICS

In an address to the Queensland Rural Press Club in Brisbane, Senator Susan McDonald has nominated a 2016 amendment to the Food Standards Code as holding the key to addressing labelling issues surrounding plant-based alternatives to meat + EVENT PICS..Read More

James Nason, 18/10/2021

News

RMAC appoints new CEO

The Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) has announced the appointment of a new CEO following the resignaton of Reith Parker, who is leaving to take up a new opportunity in the private sector…Read More

Beef Central, 18/10/2021

Genetics

Weekly genetics review: Is there really a free lunch in crossbreeding?

One of the most common expressions used in discussions regarding crossbreeding is that it represents the only “free lunch” for cattlemen and women. Another equally recognisable quote came from the famous economist Milton Friedman, who said, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” Of the two expressions, genetics editor Al Rayner tends to think there is more truth in the second, when applied to crossbreeding…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 19/10/2021

News

Large crowd attends MLA BeefUp forum in Cloncurry + PICS

James Nason, 21/10/2021

Trade

Speckle Park entries score big Brisbane taste test win

Entries representing the emerging Speckle Park breed claimed their first Brisbane Battle of the Breeds taste test competition win in 2021 results announced on Thursday. ..Read More

Beef Central, 18/10/2021

Industry Dashboard

$A / $US

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.7520

Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

22 Oct 2021 (updated 10am daily)

Company	Price	Trending
Elders	$11.40
Australian Agricultural Co	$1.47
Graincorp	$6.28
Ridley	$1.37
Woolworths	$39.99
Wellard	$0.11

Source: ASX

Beef Kill

Eastern States, weekly

Last Week

91824

Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

1066

Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

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

Today

821.7

Source: Steiner Consulting, MLA

Live Export

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

Today

420

Source: Trade contacts

SOI

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

9.24

Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Feeder Steer

NLRS-reported yards (feedlot buyers only); 0-600kg, 0-2T, c/kg LW

Today

498

Source: Feeder Steer

What readers are saying

Weekly genetics review: Is there really a free lunch in crossbreeding?

Great article thanks Alastair. What are your thoughts on using a different breed as a terminal sire and not retaining the heifers? “Thanks Chris. I am a very strong advocate....

Chris Main

The Covid of the cattle industry

If Beef Central is to explore Pestivirus further it may be worthwhile applying an appropriate method of estimating the economic impact of the disease. That was not done in....

Fred Chudleigh

The Covid of the cattle industry

Great article, It might be time for labs and APVMA to work on a vaccine that helps producers deal with ALL reproductive diseases AT ONCE. In southamerica they have a combined....

Matias Suarez

The Covid of the cattle industry

Leave people to manage their own business - if they are going to "miss out" on profits according to the narrative - then that is how they roll. If producers....

Carina James

Large crowd attends MLA BeefUp forum in Cloncurry + PICS

James Nason, 21/10/2021

Dr Temple Grandin reflects on 50 years as an animal behaviour educator

Burt Rutherford, 22/10/2021

Connecting the dots between eating quality, yield and animal health feedback

Jon Condon, 21/10/2021

Applications for Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot close Oct 27

Applications for the Federal Government’s $22.3 million Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot have opened and are being received through until October 27…Read More

James Nason, 21/10/2021

Markets

Roma sale 19 Oct 2021: Light weight steers to record 756.2c/kg

A new top price record for steers at Roma was set with light weight steers reaching 756.2c/kg and selling over the $7 mark repeatedly, while prime cows to processors also broke the $4 barrier.
..Read More

James Nason, 20/10/2021

Wagga sale 18 Oct 2021: Competition intensifies with rain

Price gains of 3c-30c/kg were recorded across the board with weaner cattle enjoying the greater rate lift…Read More

Leann Dax, 19/10/2021

Ballarat prices stabilise at recent highs

A sharp increase in month-to-month supplies was adequate to stem the spiraling demand in Ballarat store cattle prices on Friday…Read More

Murray Arnel, 18/10/2021

Proven breeding cattle highlight in 13,827 head online offering

Online commercial cattle sales results this week reflected the ongoing demand for proven breeding cattle, as seasonal conditions continue to see producers dig deep for quality lines. A total of 13,827 head were offered for the week, a little higher than the previous week…Read More

Beef Central, 16/10/2021

Production

The Covid of the cattle industry

A disease known to impose the second greatest cost impact on the Australian beef cattle industry behind cattle ticks continues to cause serious production losses, despite there being a proven vaccine available…Read More

James Nason, 14/10/2021

Pasture predictions aiming to make grazing more efficient

A University of Melbourne researcher says a pasture prediction program in Victoria could help with grazing efficiency across the country…Read More

Eric Barker, 14/10/2021

Mice plagues see elevated botulism risk in cattle

Cattle deaths due to botulism are on the rise, with increased risks of feed contamination from recent mice plagues across eastern Australia. Northern NSW vet Dr Matthew Ball issued a warning this morning about botulism risk from ingestion of mice carcases in feedstuffs, and the need for preventative vaccination ..Read More

Beef Central, 29/09/2021

Timely reminders for producers turning off stock during spring

As the spring livestock selling season moves into motion, producers are being reminded that they must meet their integrity requirements under the Livestock Production Assurance program and the National Livestock Identification System to ensure their animals are able to be sold…Read More

Beef Central, 21/09/2021

Processing

Weekly kill: Grid prices streak to new record highs

Jon Condon, 19/10/2021

VIC’s Cedar Meats to float under $300m restructure, including beef

Victorian sheep, lamb, veal and goat processor Cedar Meats is transitioning into a $300 million ‘paddock-to-plate’ conglomerate with intentions to go to a public listing…Read More

Terry Sim, 15/10/2021

Red meat R&D: Eating quality tool a step closer to commercial reality

AMPC’s investment into South Australian innovation partner MEQ Probe is one step closer to paying dividends for the red meat industry, with a view to developing a potentially revolutionary tool for measuring eating quality characteristics in hot carcases for both lamb and beef…Read More

Jon Condon, 14/10/2021

Weekly kill: Will there be another late-season grid price surge?

Queensland slaughter cattle grind prices often rise during the last quarter, for seasonal supply reasons – but will the record-setting 2021 slaughter season necessarily follow suit?..Read More

Jon Condon, 12/10/2021

Lotfeeding

NSW lotfeeders clean up at grainfed industry awards

Three New South Wales feedlots have taken out major awards at the grain-fed industry’s 2021 Feedlot of the Year competition, with a fourth winner from Western Australia…Read More

Eric Barker, 21/10/2021

Smithfield livestock manager earns Young Lotfeeder of the Year award

Eric Barker, 21/10/2021

Millennials present opportunity for premium beef

From smashed avocado to craft beer and cold-press coffee, millennials are known for their eating trends – and one of Australia’s most successful Wagyu brand managers says it presents significant opportunities for high-end beef with the right marketing…Read More

Eric Barker, 20/10/2021

ALFA launches new training website + VIDEO

The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association has today launched a new website aiming to help develop careers in the industry…Read More

Beef Central, 18/10/2021

Live Export

Smart navigation lifts visibility of livestock shipping operations

Most “ag tech” in the livestock industry is focused on the paddock, but one piece of smart technology has been delivering a range of gains for the sector on the open ocean…Read More

James Nason, 19/10/2021

Townsville conference to unite livestock export sector

The Australian livestock export industry’s bi-annual conference may have been postponed for 12 months due to travel restrictions caused by State-based COVID lockdowns, but a Queensland event on October 28 will fill an important information and networking gap for industry stakeholders either already in, or able to travel to, the Sunshine State. ..Read More

Beef Central, 14/10/2021

SE Asia Report: Pandemic situation showing encouraging improvements

Covid rates are improving across Asia but persistently high cattle prices in Australia continue to suppress the trade | 14,000 Brazilian bulls arrive safely in Vietnam in the last week of September | Revitalised Darwin buffalo exports augur well for trade’s future | A tour of beef in US supermarkets
..Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, 13/10/2021

Laporan Pasar : Industri Daging Asia Tenggara – Edisi ke-94

Edisi ke-94 : September 2021.

Poin-poin utama:
September 2021 – 14,000 sapi jantan Brasil tiba dengan aman di Vietnam pada minggu terakhir bulan September | Tingkat kasus Covid-19 membaik diseluruh Asia, tetapi harga sapi yang tinggi di Australia terus menekan perdagangan.
..Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, 13/10/2021

Trade

Speckle Park entries score big Brisbane taste test win

Entries representing the emerging Speckle Park breed claimed their first Brisbane Battle of the Breeds taste test competition win in 2021 results announced on Thursday. ..Read More

Beef Central, 18/10/2021

Retailer Coles closes in-store butchery operations

National supermarket retailer Coles will close its in-store butchery operations on Sunday, moving back to a self-serve only, pre-packaged meat model…Read More

Beef Central, 07/10/2021

September beef exports continue at slow pace, reaching just 79,843t

Following a familiar pattern seen throughout 2021, Australia’s September beef exports continued to struggle, producing historically low trade volumes for this time of year. Total chilled and frozen product to all markets last month reached just 79,843t, the lowest September level in at least ten years,..Read More

Jon Condon, 05/10/2021

Argentina about to resume beef exports to China, but no sign yet of Brazil’s return

Argentina will resume beef exports to China from Monday next week, but after almost four weeks in suspension, there is no sign yet of a China export trade resumption out of Brazil…Read More

Jon Condon, 30/09/2021

Genetics

Weekly genetics review: Is there really a free lunch in crossbreeding?

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 19/10/2021

Wagyu sector explores new innovation in breeding models for Australian cattle

The Australian Wagyu sector is driving forward with an innovative approach to delivering genetic gain. Through its own Progeny Test Program, the AWA is drawing in leading genetics from around the world to create a global reference population, testing up to 40 new Wagyu sires each year. A semen sale featuring leading genetics from the program is a key part of the program, with bidding ending on Tuesday. ..Read More

Beef Central, 15/10/2021

Weekly genetics review: “EBVs cause your herd to go backwards” – some responses to observations during the year

Over the course of 2021, I have spent lots of time discussing with bull breeders and commercial producers the use of the tools at our disposal to create genetic improvement, genetics editor Al Rayner writes in this week’s column. “It seems that there are often extreme views about the tools at hand, let alone a strong understanding of the correct methods of use in seeking to achieve an outcome for a breeding objective,” he says…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 12/10/2021

Extraordinary bull sale clearance rates reflect beef ‘breeding frenzy’

To say that commercial cattle producers are highly incentivised to produce as many calves as possible this year is an understatement, and it at least partially explains the extraordinary demand-side pressure being applied at bull sales this spring, right across Australia. Beef Central has dug into its bull sales data and come up with some startling figures that illustrate what’s driving the bull market ..Read More

Jon Condon, 12/10/2021

Ag Tech

Smart navigation lifts visibility of livestock shipping operations

Most “ag tech” in the livestock industry is focused on the paddock, but one piece of smart technology has been delivering a range of gains for the sector on the open ocean…Read More

James Nason, 19/10/2021

Telstra invests $1m into agtech brand Farmbot

Telstra has invested $1 million into well-known agtech brand Farmbot, leading a $2.7 million capital raising by the company. Farmbot provides remote water monitoring and management services for livestock producers ..Read More

Beef Central, 11/10/2021

Applications open for 2022 EvokeAg agtech start up program

Applications are open for the 2022 evokeAG Startup Program, which aims to expand the network of emerging agtech entrepreneurs across Australia..Read More

Beef Central, 06/10/2021

Electric trucks on the radar as industry pushes for planning

Preparing for electric trucks has come on the radar of the transport industry, with the Australian Trucking Association partnering with the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) to push for a long-term plan to transition away from the diesel motor…Read More

Beef Central, 21/09/2021

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Property editor Linda Rowley, 20/10/2021

Movement at the station: Recent property listings

EOIs closing for Gunnedah’s Sylvania Aggregation | Upper Hunter Valley trophy property returns to the market | Blue-ribbon grazing platform on Canberra’s doorstep | Breeding & backgrounding near Coonamble | Northern NSW high rainfall grazing block | Warrego river frontage country offloaded after 42 years | Picturesque SA grazing heads to auction | New England’s Stockton listed for sale after failing to sell at auction | $16m+ anticipated for Wagga’s Ladysmith Feedlot
..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 20/10/2021