Home - Beef Central

NSW beef processor Monbeef to close for eight months, due to sustained market pressures

Southern NSW beef processor Monbeef will shutter its facility for eight months in early January, due to ongoing market pressures. The closure is a stark reminder of the extreme challenges facing red meat processors this year…Read More

Jon Condon, December 4, 2020

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: Wheat, barley spread narrows in thin market

Extreme heat in the north and some showers in the south have kept grower selling to a minimum this week in a market where the spread between wheat and barley has narrowed…Read More

Beef Central, December 4, 2020

Weather

Wet La Niña summer still on the cards, despite heatwave: BOM

The hot, dry conditions that have afflicted much of Australia will give way to the La Niña weather pattern strengthening and bringing on a wet summer, according to the Bureau of Meteorology…Read More

Neil Lyon, December 4, 2020

News

Beef Australia 2021: Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program underway

Participants in the 2021 Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program came together in Brisbane last week, coinciding with the announcement from Beef Australia that the event will take place next May. Ten young industry stakeholders have been paired with experienced industry members to guide their progress. ..Read More

Beef Central, December 4, 2020

Recruitment

Recruitment: Earning others’ trust in the workplace

There is no better starting point to nurturing one’s career in the red meat & livestock industry than establishing a foundation of mutual trust within the workplace – regardless of whether that is a feedlot, a processing plant or a stock camp. Regardless of your title or level of authority, trusting others and having others trust you in return are the most basic elements of being looked upon as a respected professional…Read More

AgCareers.com, December 4, 2020

Trade

Collapse in volume to US concerning trend in November beef exports

Australia’s monthly beef exports continued to track lower in November, in line with recent lower rates of cattle slaughter – but the key feature was a collapse in trade into the US market. Last month saw total exports to US east and west coast ports reach just 9596t – the lowest monthly shipment volume seen from Australia since January 2011…Read More

Jon Condon, December 3, 2020

Trade

Certified grassfed producer claims Woolies’ Supplier of the Year award

A southern NSW beef producing family supplying Woolworths’ new certified grassfed beef program has for the first time won the national retailer’s annual Protein Supplier of the Year award, presented last night during a ‘virtual’ event due to COVID restrictions…Read More

Jon Condon, December 3, 2020

Markets

Murray Arnel at Euroa: Vic weaner sales kick off to strong demand + VIDEOS

Murray Arnel, December 3, 2020

News

2020 Howard Yelland Award winner for outstanding contribution to beef industry announced

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

News

Australian cattle prices to remain strong into 2021, says Rabo

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

News

MLA launches Beef BBQ Squad summer video series

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

News

Gas-led recovery leaves farmers high and dry: New briefing paper

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

Markets

Dalby sale 2 Dec 2020: Weaners see restocker support

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

Property

Movement at the station: Properties for sale

South Australia’s Patchawarra could fetch $20m | $12m anticipated for Upper Hunter gem | EOIs for Wave Hill near completion | NT’s Dixie Station offers opportunity | Sought-after country in NSW’s far west..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, December 2, 2020

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Prized Victorian property makes $36m | Eastern Riverina gems snapped up for $30m | Local pays $11.4m for CQ’s Burngrove | Broadwater in the Gulf achieves the asking price | NSW producer downsizes to SA’s Oakvale Station | A district record for Cobar’s Florida Station | Buying and selling in northern NSW..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, December 2, 2020

Genetics

2020 bull sales: Your complete guide to how each major beef breed fared

Fuelled by herd rebuilding across large parts of the country after drought, and a red hot restocker and slaughter cattle market, bull breeders have ridden a wave of producer confidence to re-set the bar for all major metrics for the industry this year. In Beef Central’s annual breed-by-breed analysis published today, major beef breeds have recorded dramatic growth in average prices paid for bulls, clearance rates of bulls offered, and numbers sold…Read More

Jon Condon, December 2, 2020

Processing

Year of two halves for co-op meat processor NCMC, after $8.2m profit

It was a year of sharply contrasting halves for NSW meat processor Northern Cooperative Meat Co, which announced an $8.2 million profit after tax for the 2020 financial year to shareholders at its annual general meeting in Casino recently…Read More

Jon Condon, November 30, 2020

Trade

Certified grassfed producer claims Woolies’ Supplier of the Year award

Jon Condon, December 3, 2020

News

Next year’s cattle price trend hinges heavily on delivery of wet season

If La Nina delivers widespread rainfall in coming months, cattle prices are forecast to ease from all-time highs by mid-2021 – but a failed wet season and return to dry conditions for southern Australia would see prices decline by an estimated 30 percent by late 2021, a forecast released this morning says…Read More

Beef Central, December 1, 2020

Trade

Collapse in volume to US concerning trend in November beef exports

Jon Condon, December 3, 2020

Processing

Weekly kill: Extreme heat slows slaughter cattle flows

Extreme heat conditions across large parts of eastern Australia since the weekend have hampered slaughter cattle flows, in an already incredibly tight supply situation…Read More

Jon Condon, December 1, 2020

News

WA considers an end to mandatory cattle branding

Western Australian livestock owners, industry and the community are being encouraged to provide feedback on a proposal to make earmarking and branding of stock optional…Read More

Beef Central, November 30, 2020

Processing

NSW beef processor Monbeef to close for eight months, due to sustained market pressures

Jon Condon, December 4, 2020

Industry Dashboard

$A / $US Graph

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.7440

Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

04 Dec 2020 (updated 10am daily)

Company	Price	Trending
Elders	$10.44
Australian Agricultural Co	$1.07
Graincorp	$4.49
Ridley	$0.94
Woolworths	$37.84
Wellard	$0.06

Source: ASX

Beef Kill

Eastern States, weekly

Last Week

109913

Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

788.5

Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

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

Today

654.3

Source: Steiner Consulting, MLA

Live Export

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

Today

390

Source: Trade contacts

SOI Graph

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

7.70

Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Feeder Steer Graph

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

Today

393.2

Source: MLA's NLRS

What readers are saying

Gas-led recovery leaves farmers high and dry: New briefing paper

I support an Agricultural led recovery.....

Val Dyer

Certified grassfed producer claims Woolies’ Supplier of the Year award

Fanntastic work Cate and Peter - you really deserve this award.....

Ross Downes

2020 bull sales: Your complete guide to how each major beef breed fared

The comment, " If ever there was a motivation for registration of herd bull calves, this is it", which referred to the fact that unregistered Brahman bulls sold for....

Peter Vincent

UPDATED: Sacred Cow film debunks anti-meat myths – Link to watch here

I was left a little angry with this movie as it vilified broad acre farming and intensive livestock systems to solidify their own credentials right from the beginning. They....

Colin Luckins

Beef Australia 2021: Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program underway

Beef Central, December 4, 2020

Recruitment: Earning others’ trust in the workplace

AgCareers.com, December 4, 2020

2020 Howard Yelland Award winner for outstanding contribution to beef industry announced

Each year Howard Yelland, champion of objective measurement and performance recording for improved selection in the Australian Beef Industry, is remembered with the presentation of the Howard Yelland Award for..Read More

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

Australian cattle prices to remain strong into 2021, says Rabo

Good seasons and low livestock numbers pushed the Australian cattle market to new price records through October and November, and strong prices are expected to continue into early 2021 despite COVID and trade concerns, according to a global report released today by Rabobank…Read More

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

Markets

Murray Arnel at Euroa: Vic weaner sales kick off to strong demand + VIDEOS

In spite of nationwide drift in slaughter cattle prices over the past fortnight the market for Victoria’s rapidly maturing crop autumn-drop weaners traded bravely at Euroa on Wednesday…Read More

Murray Arnel, December 3, 2020

Dalby sale 2 Dec 2020: Weaners see restocker support

Despite the harsh seasonal conditions locally, light weight yearling steers and heifers continued to experience very strong support from restockers both local and interstate…Read More

Beef Central, December 3, 2020

Roma store 1 Dec 2020: Heifers account for half of smaller yarding

A smaller buying panel was present with all regular processors and feedlots operating, however southern restockers were absent. Steers eased across all categories, with light weight steers down by 14c to 17c/kg…Read More

Beef Central, December 2, 2020

Wagga sale 30 Nov: Season pushes more heavy cattle forward

There were no price gains for heavy cattle with all classes showing a decline in price. Adding to the mix not all processors operated…Read More

Leann Dax, December 1, 2020

Production

Best practice serrated tussock guide released

An industry first, best practice weed hygiene guide aimed at preventing the spread of serrated tussock and other weeds due to land management practices such as slashing, movement of vehicles and machinery has been developed…Read More

Beef Central, November 30, 2020

Maximise your exposure at Beef 2021 through Beef Central

With the Beef Australia 2021 event in Rockhampton now only five months away, it’s time for agribusinesses of all types participating in the event to start thinking about getting their brand in front of the tens of thousands of visitors likely to attend next year’s event…Read More

Beef Central, November 26, 2020

MLA summer and wet season resource hubs now online

Producers can now access regionally-relevant resources to support seasonal on-farm decision making this summer with the launch of both a Summer Hub for southern producers and Northern Wet Season Hub on Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) website…Read More

Beef Central, November 24, 2020

New Australian Standard for loading ramps published, but details at a cost

Standards Australia has published the first Australian Standard for Livestock loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens, but it will cost producers $125 to view the 37 page document…Read More

Beef Central, November 23, 2020

Processing

NSW beef processor Monbeef to close for eight months, due to sustained market pressures

Jon Condon, December 4, 2020

Weekly kill: Extreme heat slows slaughter cattle flows

Extreme heat conditions across large parts of eastern Australia since the weekend have hampered slaughter cattle flows, in an already incredibly tight supply situation…Read More

Jon Condon, December 1, 2020

Year of two halves for co-op meat processor NCMC, after $8.2m profit

Jon Condon, November 30, 2020

Weekly kill: Grids show sharp correction, as dry weather pushes cattle offload in the north

Hot, dry weather across large parts of northern Australia is pushing cattle to market in unexpected volume, leading to a sudden change in the supply/demand dynamic for slaughter cattle this week…Read More

Jon Condon, November 24, 2020

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: Wheat, barley spread narrows in thin market

Extreme heat in the north and some showers in the south have kept grower selling to a minimum this week in a market where the spread between wheat and barley has narrowed…Read More

Beef Central, December 4, 2020

Feedgrain Focus: Truck squeeze, weather support prices

Export demand and limited grower selling are helping to support prices this week as the market heeds a dry and extremely hot week ahead for south-eastern Australia which may prompt some harvest bans. ..Read More

Liz Wells, November 30, 2020

Feedgrain Focus: Saudi price lifts barley, wheat mixed

Prices in the latest Saudi tender have supported barley values, while wheat prices have softened in the south but firmed in the north…Read More

Liz Wells, November 23, 2020

Mort & Co in hunt for new greenfield feedlot development site

Queensland lotfeeder Mort & Co is in an expansionary mood, launching a campaign this morning to unearth a site for a new feedlot somewhere in eastern Australia to complement existing operations at Grassdale on Queensland’s Darling Downs, and Pinegrove, near Millmerran…Read More

Jon Condon, November 19, 2020

Live Export

Exporting animal welfare to Vietnam

Animal welfare laws consistent with Australian expectations for the treatment of cattle exported overseas will be enshrined in Vietnam, with the help of Australia’s livestock export industry…Read More

Beef Central, December 2, 2020

High export prices testing northern supply

High prices are still managing to lure cattle out of northern paddocks for live shipping orders, but how many cattle are still available and how much higher the market can rise to bring them forward is now the overriding question…Read More

James Nason, November 18, 2020

New executive team to lead Young Livestock Exporters Network

The Young Livestock Exporters Network (YLEN) has held its first annual general meeting, with a new executive team elected to build on the strong groundwork of the foundation committee, which was established last year. ..Read More

Beef Central, November 16, 2020

SE Asia Report: Indo cattle prices finally break above two year range

In a positive sign in Indonesia slaughter cattle prices have finally broken above the range they have been trading in for two years, while slaughter cattle prices in China have risen to almost AUD$8 per kg live…Read More

Dr Ross Ainsworth, November 12, 2020

Trade

Collapse in volume to US concerning trend in November beef exports

Jon Condon, December 3, 2020

Certified grassfed producer claims Woolies’ Supplier of the Year award

Jon Condon, December 3, 2020

Traceability grants available for ag supply chains

The Australian Government is encouraging applications from farming groups, research organisations and other eligible industry bodies for grants to support projects that enhance traceability in the agricultural produce supply chain…Read More

Beef Central, November 25, 2020

Macca’s Australian shopping list includes 31,900t of beef annually

Marking tomorrow’s National Agriculture Day activities, global burger giant McDonald’s has released its annual ‘shopping list’ for food commodities used to keep its 970 Australian stores in operation, including a whopping 31,900 tonnes of beef…Read More

Beef Central, November 20, 2020

Genetics

2020 bull sales: Your complete guide to how each major beef breed fared

Jon Condon, December 2, 2020

2020 bull sales: 10pc increase in numbers sold at auction

A combination of more bulls being catalogued for sale by bull breeders, and dramatically higher sale clearance rates has driven a 10pc increase in the number of bulls sold at auction this year across Australia…Read More

Jon Condon, December 2, 2020

Selection pressure for temperament drives big shift in Limousins

Limousin cattle have made big inroads into temperament, since EBVs for docility were introduced in 2000, Breedplan data suggests…Read More

Beef Central, November 25, 2020

Response from outgoing AWA president & chair Mike Buchanan

Following Beef Central’s coverage of the recent Australian Wagyu Association board elections, immediate past president Mike Buchanan requested right of reply. Here is his response to some of the claims raised by the Concerned Members Group..Read More

Mike Buchanan*, November 17, 2020

Ag Tech

Surgical robots may have application in red meat processing industry

Scientists are working to develop robotic principles that could help the red meat processing sector boost its global competitiveness – using technologies developed for use in human surgical procedures…Read More

Beef Central, November 25, 2020

Aussie start-up’s Wi-Fi solution picks up $500,000 prize in prestigious US agtech competition

An Australian company focused on resolving inadequate internet and phone connectivity in rural and remote parts of the country has claimed a US$500,000 prize in the hotly-contested US food and ag-tech competition, Grow-NY. ..Read More

Beef Central, November 24, 2020

World-first investigation raises ethical and policy challenges in using robots in agriculture

With automation poised to transform agriculture in Australia in the coming years, Monash University researchers have published the first-ever analysis of the ethical and policy issues raised by the use of robots in agriculture…Read More

Beef Central, November 22, 2020

Scientists develop ‘electronic nose’ to sniff out meat freshness

A team of scientists has invented an artificial olfactory system that mimics the mammalian nose to assess the freshness of meat accurately…Read More

Beef Central, November 11, 2020

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Property editor Linda Rowley, December 2, 2020

Movement at the station: Properties for sale

Property editor Linda Rowley, December 2, 2020

Determining long-term carrying capacity

Knowing the long-term carrying capacity of a property or paddock is essential information for managers of extensive grazing businesses. While it is a contentious issue, there is an established, evidence-based process for estimating long term carrying capacity…Read More

Ian McLean, Bush Agribusiness, November 25, 2020

Weekly property review: Late season surge in northern cattle listings

The end of the long dry season, before the arrival of the wet, may seem an unusual time for extensive Northern Australian cattle properties to be hitting the market, but a string of them have done so over the past few weeks. In this week’s property review, industry contacts look at what’s driving it…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, November 25, 2020