Home - Beef Central

Channel Country’s famed Nappa Merrie changes hands in deal worth close to $70m

Showcase large-scale Queensland Channel Country grazing property Nappa Merrie is changing hands, in a deal understood to be worth close to $70 million…Read More

Jon Condon, 03/07/2026

News

“They throw jobs at you” ICMJ shows depth of graduate opportunities

As agriculture students from across the world gathered in Wagga Wagga this week for the Intercollegiate Meat Judging competition, there was one clear theme emerging from the floor – there are plenty of jobs in agriculture…Read More

Eric Barker and Lydia Burton, 03/07/2026

News

Central Qld cattle producers get first chance to engage in cattle transaction levy review

Central Queensland cattle producers will be the first in Australia to have the opportunity to take part in upcoming face-to-face consultation meetings as part of the Cattle Transaction Levy Review, with a series of meetings planned for 13-15 July…Read More

Beef Central, 03/07/2026

News

Beef Connections member’s journey towards Beef 2027: Is negotiation a word you use, or a life you live?

Whether it’s negotiating over price, a behavioural shift to adopt a new variable rate fertiliser, or a TV allowance with a two-and-a-half-year-old – undoubtedly there is a knack to the art of effective negotiation, Graeme Acton Beef Connections cohort member Millie Unthank finds in her monthly program diary entry published today….. ..Read More

Millie Unthank, 03/07/2026

If you see a need to change, don’t be held back by what you know

Often enough we are exposed to things worth celebrating with family or friends or our immediate community. The following is worth celebrating…Read More

Memorial gathering planned for the late John Kilroy

Friends and colleagues of the late John Kilroy are invited to a memorial gathering marking his life in Brisbane on 21 July…Read More

Beef Central, 02/07/2026

The Weekly Grill

S6 Ep21: Farm fatalities, hazards and how to stay safe – Felicity Richards

Ahead of FarmSafety week, podcast host Kerry Lonergan catches up with Felicity Richards, Chair of FarmSafe Australia, about farm safety in the bush – recent on‑farm fatality and injury statistics, leading causes, and common contributing factors… and more..Read More

Beef Central, 03/07/2026

Recruitment

Recruitment: Five mistakes to avoid as a ‘people manager’

Everybody makes mistakes – even managers. They’re a fact of life and help us to grow at a personal and professional level. If there’s one thing successful agribusiness managers know, it’s that making mistakes can be a hugely positive learning experience…Read More

Beef Central, 03/07/2026

Markets

Dubbo sale 2 July 2026: Feeders softer in smaller, rain-impacted 1222 head yarding

David Monk, NLRS, 03/07/2026

Markets

Charters Towers 1 July: Numbers halved to 1157 head, better cows average 305c/kg

Beef Central, 03/07/2026

Trade

June beef exports to China slump in wake of tariff, but other markets absorbing the slack

Jon Condon, 02/07/2026

News

Cattle Australia warns conservation land ‘carbon grab’ will inflate prices

James Nason, 02/07/2026

News

Next-gen red meat professionals quiz industry experts on future at ICMJ

Lydia Burton, 02/07/2026

The Week in Beef - Podcast

Podcast: Diving into the future – the people, the emissions and the invisible fences

Beef Central, 02/07/2026

Industry Dashboard

Carbon Trading Market

Aust. Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) - $/tonne of CO2 equiv.

Today

38.20

Source: Jarden

$A / $US

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.6922

Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

04 Jul 2026 (updated 10am daily)

Company	Price	Trending
Elders	$8.96
Australian Agricultural Co	$1.52
Graincorp	$7.29
Ridley	$2.12
Woolworths	$36.64
Wellard	$0.06

Source: ASX

Beef Kill

Eastern States, weekly

Last Week

156553

Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

1016.2

Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

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

Today

1121

Source: Steiner Consulting, MLA

Live Export

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

Today

400

Source: Trade contacts

SOI

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

-17.02

Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Feeder Steer

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

Today

507

Source: Feeder Steer

What readers are saying

Cattle Australia warns conservation land ‘carbon grab’ will inflate prices

A bad decision made. Time to renege on it … for Australia is unlike other island/continents. It’s the hottest, driest, inhabited Continent on planet Earth: anscestry we need our....

Michael Vail

Vale John Kilroy – the restaurateur who gave Australian beef its identity

I am sad to hear of John's passing. John had been a strong supporter of the AWA Branded Beef Competition, both as a sponsor & Judge for a number....

Ron Fitzgerald

Project aims to increase annual beef-on-dairy processing to 100,000 head by 2030

Can Beef Central please define ‘Beef-on-dairy’? It's the use of a beef-breed bull (or AI) over a dairy-breed female to produce a calf better suited to beef production, Val. Because....

Val Dyer

Fed Govt opens EOI process for strategic biodiverse land purchases

Using land area as some proxy for biodiversity protection is a poor policy. Farming, grazing and forestry are reported to occupy 55% of the continent and protected land 25%.....

Greg Campbell

“They throw jobs at you” ICMJ shows depth of graduate opportunities

Eric Barker and Lydia Burton, 03/07/2026

Central Qld cattle producers get first chance to engage in cattle transaction levy review

Beef Central, 03/07/2026

Beef Connections member’s journey towards Beef 2027: Is negotiation a word you use, or a life you live?

Millie Unthank, 03/07/2026

Memorial gathering planned for the late John Kilroy

Friends and colleagues of the late John Kilroy are invited to a memorial gathering marking his life in Brisbane on 21 July…Read More

Beef Central, 02/07/2026

Markets

Dubbo sale 2 July 2026: Feeders softer in smaller, rain-impacted 1222 head yarding

Following the excellent rains over the past couple of days numbers were back by 900 for a yarding of 1222 at Dubbo yesterday. Feeder steers and heifers were 6c to 8c cheaper with the feeder steers selling from 490-606c/kg…Read More

David Monk, NLRS, 03/07/2026

Charters Towers 1 July: Numbers halved to 1157 head, better cows average 305c/kg

The supply of cattle fell by more than 950 for a yarding of 1157 cattle in a prime only sale. A significantly reduced offering of prime cows met intermittent demand throughout. Mediumweight score 3 cows sold from 260-326c, averaging 305c/kg..Read More

Beef Central, 03/07/2026

Dalby sale 1 July 2026: Heavy feeders average 542c/kg

Dalby sale numbers lifted to 4877 head for the first sale of the new financial year yesterday. Heavy feeder steers sold to 580c and averaged 542c/kg, while medium weight score 2 cows averaged 339c/kg, and heavy score 3s averaged 364c..Read More

Beef Central, 02/07/2026

Regional cattle markets wrap: Grassfed production system dominates local cattle markets

A consequence of Australia’s grassfed system running the show, as it currently is, is that competition for cattle from graziers can squeeze processing and feedlot margins. Processors are feeling the pinch of higher prices with talk that some east coast operations are looking at dropping shifts and considering four-day weeks, while feeders are talking about red ink and leaving pens empty…Read More

Richard Koch, Elders analyst, 01/07/2026

On-farm performance and profitability is the focus of new $6 million partnership between MLA and Agriculture Victoria, launched at the BetterBeef conference and Feeder Steer Masterclass held in Ballarat yesterday. The initiative is designed to help producers use on-farm data through proven tools to improve their decision making…Read More

Beef Central, 25/06/2026

Mobile Trich testing platform allows for on-farm same-day results

A mobile Trichomoniasis test has been developed to allow beef producers to know in real-time if their bulls carry the disease which can devastate herd fertility. ..Read More

Lydia Burton, 10/06/2026

Bindaree’s Qld Producer Roadshow to focus on market prospects, carcase performance, animal health

Export and domestic beef processor Bindaree Food Group is hosting a Producer Roadshow later this month, giving Central Queensland producers the chance to hear direct from the Bindaree livestock team, market specialists and guest speakers…Read More

Beef Central, 18/06/2026

Processing

Hundreds gather for National ICMJ Conference + PICS

Hundreds are gathered in Wagga Wagga this week for the National ICMJ conference to hear from industry participants from around the world, before competing in beef, lamb and pork carcase competitions. ..Read More

Lydia Burton, 01/07/2026

Weekly kill: northern grids continue downwards trend

Under pressure from softening export meat markets due to tariff and trade flow pressures, northern direct consignment slaughter cattle grids have continued to decline in value this week…Read More

Beef Central, 30/06/2026

Proposal for small-scale multi-species processing facility in CQ

Central Queensland is pushing for a small-scale multi-species domestic processing facility to develop locally branded meat products…Read More

Lydia Burton, 30/06/2026

Small country processors grow as local meat demand strengthens

From new greenfield plants to recommissioned country abattoirs, Queensland’s small processors are expanding their footprint as consumer demand shifts toward local and paddock-to-plate supply…Read More

Lydia Burton, 24/06/2026

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: North firms as planting nears end

Prices are firm in the north as seeding slows, and wheat is under pressure in the south from what is shaping up to be a bumper crop…Read More

Liz Wells, 29/06/2026

Grainfed beef industry address key challenges and opportunities at BeefEx conference

An outstanding lineup of international and Australian industry and societal speakers will headline the conference program during the grainfed beef industry’s biennial BeefEx conference on the Gold Coast in September…Read More

Beef Central, 22/06/2026

Feeder cattle market: Prices move quickly as Angus shortage grows

Angus feeder cattle prices have continued to climb in the past fortnight as feedlot buyers work hard to keep pens full…Read More

Eric Barker, 22/06/2026

Feedgrain Focus: Prices ease as warehousing clock ticks

A consolidating start to the season has encouraged some northern growers to sell wheat into the easing market, while the south soaks up more rain. ..Read More

Liz Wells, 22/06/2026

Live Export

Why northern live export prices aren’t easing

Prices for northern live export feeder steers into Indonesia have remained resilient with rates of $4/kg liveweight ex Darwin and higher for premium lines continuing to hold despite the seasonal lift in supply…Read More

James Nason, 25/06/2026

SE Asia Report: Vietnam trade draws fresh interest | China recognises Brazil as FMD free

The big news this month came from outside the region, China recognising the whole of Brazil as free of foot-and-mouth disease and opening the world’s largest beef market fully to the world’s largest beef exporter. The reason it matters here is twofold…Read More

Dr Michael Patching, 11/06/2026

Beyond the feedlot: The Indonesian households relying on Australia’s live cattle trade

One feedlot in Indonesia, filled with Australian cattle, supports more than 12,000 Indonesian families. The large number of households the trade supports is often overlooked. ..Read More

Lydia Burton, 26/05/2026

Leaked review finds “no definitive evidence” for daylight-only livestock vessel inspections

Several years after the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ceased night-time biosecurity inspections for returning vessels – a move that industry has estimated has cost live cattle exporters up to $26,000 per shipment – an independent report prepared for the Department has found no definitive scientific evidence supporting the daylight-only inspection policy…Read More

James Nason, 25/05/2026

Trade

June beef exports to China slump in wake of tariff, but other markets absorbing the slack

Despite a dramatic decline in beef exports last month to China, other markets have stepped into the fold, absorbing much of the slack, latest trade data shows…Read More

Jon Condon, 02/07/2026

UK signals its intent to align with EU’s Deforestation Regulations

The United Kingdom is looking like adopting regulations similar to the European Union’s Deforestation Regulations (EUDR), that could potentially impact Australian red meat exports into the UK market…Read More

Beef Central, 02/07/2026

Australia hits 90pc of its Korean quota, as tariffs loom

Australia will face further tariff pressure on red meat exports in coming weeks, as South Korea looks set to activate its Safeguard mechanism designed to protect its own domestic beef industry…Read More

Beef Central, 26/06/2026

Brisbane, Australia to host 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge

Brisbane will host nation the 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge, a milestone marking 17 years since the popular event was launched as a low-key Trans-Tasman competition between New Zealand and Australia…Read More

Beef Central, 25/06/2026

Genetics

Weekly genetics review: Avoiding common mistakes at this year’s bull sales

Ahead of the upcoming spring bull sales it is worth reflecting on past experiences at sales and how these can prepare producers for a better result this year. Over recent selection workshops, and as part of an online poll, I have asked producers to identify what they believe are the more common mistakes they have seen at bull sales. It’s been an interesting experience to take these results and look at the common themes and trends ..Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 30/06/2026

Weekly genetics review: Is longevity really the trait that drives herd productivity?

If we select for longevity, does that risk holding back a beef herd genetically? After looking at some research in both beef and dairy, the message is that longevity is valuable, but mainly because it is evidence of fertility, adaptation and profitability – not because longevity itself creates production…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 23/06/2026

Weekly genetics review: Pricing a bull for his full herd contribution

At any bull sale this spring, most producers are likely to price bulls off what is visible in the yards or the sale ring, plus BreedPlan data appearing in the catalogue. However its important to try to place a price on what he contributes over time to the herd in the form of genetic impact, and not only on what progeny are sold…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 16/06/2026

Weekly genetics review: What lies ahead for 2026 spring bull sales?

While destocking due to drought will inevitably impact bull buying demand in regions like the New England and NSW Northwest this year, on the upside, bull buying is likely to be strongly supported by the current cattle price boom and continued above average pasture conditions in Queensland, southern NSW and other parts of northern Australia, genetics editor Al Rayner writes…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 09/06/2026

Ag Tech

In-the-box solution harnesses solar power for remote agriculture

Charles Sturt University is trialling new technology that will allow equipment and infrastructure to be operated in remote areas where grid power is unavailable…Read More

Beef Central, 29/06/2026

Profitability is sustainability, in that order

Producers are being asked to care about emissions, but Collin Kramer argues chasing the wrong number could come at a real cost. In this opinion piece, he identifies the figure that really matters…Read More

Collin Kramer, C-Lock Inc, 03/06/2026

The case for commercialising leucaena in WA

With the local abattoir planning to reopen next year, growing access to supplementary feeding and more markets emerging, there is plenty of excitement in the Western Australian cattle industry…Read More

Eric Barker and Lydia Burton, 27/05/2026

Craig Mostyn Group acquires WA’s Patmore Feeds

Western Australian-based agribusiness Craig Mostyn Group has announced its purchase of stockfeed manufacturer Patmore Feeds…Read More

Beef Central, 14/05/2026

AgProperty Central

Channel Country’s famed Nappa Merrie changes hands in deal worth close to $70m

Showcase large-scale Queensland Channel Country grazing property Nappa Merrie is changing hands, in a deal understood to be worth close to $70 million…Read More

Jon Condon, 03/07/2026

Weekly property review: Market finding its level as buyers become more selective

The rural property market is entering a period of consolidation, with uncertainty around policy settings, interest rates and input costs prompting buyers to become more selective. While the urgency of the boom years has eased, leading marketing agents say demand remains for well-presented, productive assets with scale, water security and clear strategic value…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 01/07/2026

Input inflation and seasonal variances are shaping grazing land values

The Northern Australian grazing and livestock sector is navigating a complex period of transition as the industry head into the second half of 2026. A distinct multi-speed environment has emerged across the rural landscape, valuer Herron Todd White’s monthly property summary suggests…Read More

Beef Central, 01/07/2026

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Historic SA station sells to the Barnes family | Two producers expand with NSW far west grazing country | Traditional owners secure Riverina cattle station | $16,000/ha for Riverina grazing block | Negotiations underway for Maranoa’s Twelve Mile..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 24/06/2026

AgCarbon Central

New livestock ACCU method now in development

Work has started on a new livestock sector method to replace the terminated Beef Cettle Herd Magement scheme and allow producers to earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for herd management practices that reduce methane emissions…Read More

James Nason, 15/06/2026

Debate emerges over plans to cut carbon market

Debate has emerged this week over the future of one of Australia’s longest standing climate policies, with One Nation and the Coalition planning to scrap a key part of carbon market if either of them come into Government at the next election…Read More

Eric Barker, 12/06/2026

Carbon farming: The side of net zero running out of friends

Looking at One Nation’s continually soaring popularity in the polls, it is fair to say scrapping Australia’s target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 is a popular plan. The Coalition has joined in scrapping the target, meaning one side of the net zero target has lost another friend…Read More

Eric Barker, 10/06/2026