Home - Beef Central

MSA grading hits 53pc of national cattle kill in 2020-21

MSA’s 2020-21 MSA Annual Outcomes Report released today show that an important milestone was reached for the first time last financial year, with 3.3 million carcases graded, representing 53pc of national slaughter. The figure was up from 46pc the year before…Read More

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

News

The hunt for a wet October: drought hotspots needing rain

While record crops and a surplus of grass in NSW have been the tale of 2021, water is running out and herd numbers are on the decline in large parts of Queensland. Despite optimistic BOM forecasts, almost 65pc of the state is still officially in drought and looking for rain this wet season…Read More

Eric Barker, 27/09/2021

News

Border Collie sells for $30k, breaking breed record + VIDEO

A New South Wales Border Collie has broken a record for the breed, selling in an online auction for more than $30,000…Read More

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

News

Hungry Jack’s adds fried chicken burgers to menu as beef price soars

Burger giant Hungry Jack’s has cited the soaring cost of beef as one of the factors behind a shift into a new range of fried chicken burgers, launched nationally today…Read More

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

News

Review recommends Aus zoos be able to import bovids from 19 additional countries

A Departmental of Agriculture, Water and Environment review has recommended zoos be allowed to import bovid animals and their semen from 19 countries, provided they meet strict new biosecurity measures preventing 22 significant diseases including rabies, foot-and-mouth disease and Rift Valley fever, being introduced…Read More

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

Markets

Lighter steer values ease, while heifers lift in larger 20,558 head online offering

The largest AuctionsPlus online offering in four months delivered variable clearance rates for the proven breeding lines again this week, as the distance between vendors and buyers in “rebuilding categories” finished the week further apart. For the 20,558 head offered, the young steer and heifer lines again sold to robust clearance rates, as an influx of light dairy cattle through the southern states dragged average prices for the lightest categories lower…Read More

Beef Central, 26/09/2021

Processing

TFI’s new Murray Bridge processing plant starting to rise from the ground + VIDEO

Construction of Thomas Foods International’s new meat processing plant in South Australia’s southeast corner has reached a new milestone, with the first above-ground building works starting recently. The new facility has been designed to service the global operations of Thomas Foods International for decades to come and replaces the company’s original plant which was destroyed by fire in January 2018…Read More

Beef Central, 24/09/2021

Property

Kimberley’s Ruby Plains and Nerrima stations sell for combined $100m

Property editor Linda Rowley, 24/09/2021

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: North softens, south holds

Liz Wells, 24/09/2021

Community and Lifestyle

Pastoral companies back positive alcohol awareness initiative

Guest Author, 24/09/2021

Recruitment

Recruitment: How to ensure performance reviews are beneficial

Beef Central, 24/09/2021

News

Cloncurry BeefUp forum set for October 21-22

Beef Central, 26/09/2021

Trade

Producer webinar to explore how Angus Verified program protects breed integrity

Beef Central, 24/09/2021

Property

Why farming assets never pay for themselves, but create substantial wealth

A common outcry amongst the farming community is that the price of farms and properties seems out of context with the income they can generate. There is a strong misconception that a property should pay for itself, and if it can’t then it is too expensive. But this argument is flawed by simple economic fundamentals within an unbiased deregulated market. Here’s why…Read More

Ian Robinson*, Robinson Sewell Partners, 22/09/2021

News

People on the Move: Appointments, retirements, achievements

Canadian geneticist appointed AGBU’s new director | … as Dr Rob Banks steps into retirement | No move yet on CEO role for Gina’s Hancock and Kidman operations | NAPCo’s new CEO spent time in Antarctica | ACCC chair Rod Sims appointed to international competition network | Finalists announced for prestigious Zanda McDonald award | New appointments in Elanco’s northern sales team | Promising young talent emerging in KGF’s Future Leaders program | FSANZ welcomes interim CEO, acting chair | BOM to strengthen agriculture team | Four young Aussie livestock stakeholders chosen for global summit..Read More

Jon Condon, 23/09/2021

News

UK joins Brazil in detecting a case of BSE

The United Kingdom has this week confirmed a positive case of classical BSE in its cattle herd, joining Brazil which confirmed two cases of atypical BSE earlier this month after laboratory testing…Read More

Jon Condon, 22/09/2021

Property

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Historic SA grazing property makes $15m | CQ family expands with +$15m Slatey Creek deal | Riverina producer secures SA station country | SA’s Wallerberdina sells prior to auction | Two northern NSW blocks snapped up at auction..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 22/09/2021

Property

Kimberley’s Ruby Plains and Nerrima stations sell for combined $100m

Two extensive Kimberly region cattle properties owned by Gina Rinehart’s Kidman and Co and Hancock Pastoral have sold for a combined figure of around $100 million. Prominent Alice Springs businessman Viv Oldfield has paid around $70 million for Ruby Plains Station, while Nerrima Station has sold to Johnathan Emanuel for around $30 million…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 24/09/2021

Processing

TFI’s new Murray Bridge processing plant starting to rise from the ground + VIDEO

Beef Central, 24/09/2021

Processing

Weekly kill: Processor margins worsen, as slaughter cattle prices hit new records

Recent hikes in direct consignment slaughter cattle values in Queensland and northern NSW have seen beef processor profit margins drift deeper into negative territory again…Read More

Jon Condon, 21/09/2021

Property

Movement at the Station: Recent property listings

Fodder opportunity in Central Australia | Neighbouring Yass properties offer scale | $5m+ for Riverina high rainfall grazing | High demand for Southern Tablelands getaway | Tightly held Western Downs block heads to auction | New England powerhouse should achieve $4.5m+..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 22/09/2021

News

Here’s four major northern ag developments that have gained momentum recently

While developing the north has been on the agenda for decades, recent years have seen some significant advance. Beef Central has compiled a list of the significant developments in recent years…Read More

Eric Barker, 23/09/2021

News

2021 Rising Champions announced

Cattle Council of Australia and National Australia Bank (NAB) have today announced the seven state and territory winners of the 2021 CCA NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion Initiative..Read More

Beef Central, 23/09/2021

Industry Dashboard

$A / $US

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.7250

Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

27 Sep 2021 (updated 10am daily)

Company	Price	Trending
Elders	$12.25
Australian Agricultural Co	$1.43
Graincorp	$6.37
Ridley	$1.35
Woolworths	$39.06
Wellard	$0.09

Source: ASX

Beef Kill

Eastern States, weekly

Last Week

93459

Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

1032

Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

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

Today

825.6

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

4.76

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

UK joins Brazil in detecting a case of BSE

it is stunning to read such blatant mis-information coming from UK industry spokespeople. please present the factual case , not just propaganda to assuage the British public.....

paul thompson

Why farming assets never pay for themselves, but create substantial wealth

I'd still much rather be sensible and purchase property than can pay for itself - if the merry go round ever stops then its basic commodity production that will....

Andrew Freshwater

Support for voluntary labelling of plant-based proteins “hotly contested”

Who/what organisation lobbied the government to hold the Ministerial Working Group? Just demonstrates how bad policy can evolve and why NFF should remain focused on macro issues in agriculture as....

Val Dyer

Episode 30: Cattle Council President, Markus Rathsmann

As Kerry said, possibly the least enviable job going in the industry. The unintended consequences of having enough passion to take time away from your own beef business to....

David Hill

MSA grading hits 53pc of national cattle kill in 2020-21

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

The hunt for a wet October: drought hotspots needing rain

Eric Barker, 27/09/2021

Border Collie sells for $30k, breaking breed record + VIDEO

A New South Wales Border Collie has broken a record for the breed, selling in an online auction for more than $30,000…Read More

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

Hungry Jack’s adds fried chicken burgers to menu as beef price soars

Burger giant Hungry Jack’s has cited the soaring cost of beef as one of the factors behind a shift into a new range of fried chicken burgers, launched nationally today…Read More

Beef Central, 27/09/2021

Markets

Lighter steer values ease, while heifers lift in larger 20,558 head online offering

Beef Central, 26/09/2021

Dalby sale 22 Sep 2021: Yarding lifts with NSW, SA cattle

Despite the increase in supply buyers absorbed the larger numbers plus lifted prices in places…Read More

Beef Central, 23/09/2021

Roma store sale 21 Sep 2021: Western cattle feature in 7052 head yarding

Competition remained strong for quality cattle with steers mostly improving while heifers eased in places…Read More

Beef Central, 22/09/2021

Ballarat lockdown no match for rampaging store cattle prices

Ballarat’s sudden COVID lockdown was no match for rampaging store cattle prices at the city’s monthly market where several lines saw rise “like cream on cold milk.”..Read More

Murray Arnel, 20/09/2021

Production

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

WA set to relax border controls after new Johne’s Disease detections

Western Australia is on the cusp of deregulating management of Johne’s Disease, bringing it into line with other Australian States and Territories, following the confirmed detection this week of the cattle strain of the disease in a herd in South west WA…Read More

James Nason, 15/09/2021

Registrations open for Daly Waters Beefup Forum

Northern Territory beef and live export industry stakeholders will have the chance to catch up on latest research and technology outcomes relevant to their region at a BeefUp Forum planned for Daly Waters on the Barkly Tableland in November…Read More

Beef Central, 14/09/2021

Methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer approved for use in cattle in Brazil and Chile

Cattle producers in Brazil and Chile will be the first in the world to gain access to a new methane-reducing feed additive which has also been successfully trialled in Australia…Read More

James Nason, 10/09/2021

Processing

TFI’s new Murray Bridge processing plant starting to rise from the ground + VIDEO

Beef Central, 24/09/2021

Meat industry still without answers about Melbourne processing workforce caps

The Australian Meat Industry Council has again called on the Office of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Victorian Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton and DHHS to consult directly with the industry on the current workforce caps in place for meat processing and manufacturing in Melbourne…Read More

Beef Central, 22/09/2021

Weekly kill: Processor margins worsen, as slaughter cattle prices hit new records

Recent hikes in direct consignment slaughter cattle values in Queensland and northern NSW have seen beef processor profit margins drift deeper into negative territory again…Read More

Jon Condon, 21/09/2021

ACCC raises vertical integration issues over JBS’s Rivalea pork deal

The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns about JBS Australia’s proposed acquisition of the Rivalea pork supply chain business in a statement of issues published today…Read More

Beef Central, 16/09/2021

Lotfeeding

Feedgrain Focus: North softens, south holds

Early harvest pressure in Queensland has weighed on the northern market this week, but trade in southeastern Australia has been limited as growers wait for a finishing rain and for the frost-risk window to close…Read More

Liz Wells, 24/09/2021

Feedgrain Focus: Selling pressure weighs on south

A slowdown in export and domestic buying for wheat and barley in the coming quarter has allowed prices for both to ease in the past week to reflect a softening in global values…Read More

Liz Wells, 17/09/2021

Feedgrain Focus: Prices drop on selling pressure, offshore lead

Prices for wheat and barley have taken a tumble in the past week to reflect a surge in grower and trade selling and a downtrend in Northern Hemisphere cereal values…Read More

Liz Wells, 10/09/2021

ABARES forecasts record winter crop production

Improved yield outlooks for Australian wheat, barley and canola have lifted national production prospects by up to 20pc from June figures, according to the latest ABARES data…Read More

Grain Central, 07/09/2021

Live Export

ASEL update 2021 open for public consultation

Public consultation on the 2021 update of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) has opened this week. ..Read More

Beef Central, 21/09/2021

Live export numbers decline with quietest August since 2012

Live export numbers have continued their decline, with the latest Federal Government figures showing the quietest August since 2012…Read More

Eric Barker, 20/09/2021

LIVEXchange postponed to November 2022

The livestock export industry is postponing its LIVEXchange conference, which was to be held this November in Darwin, until 9-10 November 2022…Read More

Beef Central, 17/09/2021

Questions surround future of LGAP

Questions have been raised about the future of a livestock export industry-developed global animal welfare assurance program which has yet to be implemented, despite having received $8.3 million in Commonwealth funding to support its introduction four years ago…Read More

James Nason, 14/09/2021

Trade

Producer webinar to explore how Angus Verified program protects breed integrity

Angus Australia will host separate producer and livestock agent webinar workshops next month focused on the Angus Verified program, designed to protect the integrity of Angus breed claims…Read More

Beef Central, 24/09/2021

McDonald’s re-introduces Wagyu burger to premium lineup

Burger chain McDonald’s has today reintroduced the Wagyu Beef Burger to its deluxe offering, after a two-year absence. The company says it has secured about 170 tonnes of F1 Wagyu trim from more than 100 Australian properties for the limited-time offer, which sets a new high-water mark for the company’s burger prices…Read More

Beef Central, 15/09/2021

Indonesia halts beef imports from Brazil

The Indonesian government has placed a hold on beef imports from Brazil while awaiting further information from Brazilian officials about the two atypical BSE cases confirmed after testing last week…Read More

Beef Central, 09/09/2021

Competitor watch: Argentina extends beef export ban by two months

Argentina has extended its tight restrictions on beef exports until the end of October, as the country seeks to rein-in domestic inflation and surging domestic beef prices…Read More

Beef Central, 02/09/2021

Genetics

Booming bull market delivers a string of new breed price records

The vintage 2021 spring bull selling season is powering a string of new breed record prices for bulls in recent weeks – in some cases knocking-off benchmarks that have stood for a decade or more. At last count, five beef breeds have established new record highs for bulls since the start of August…Read More

Jon Condon, 22/09/2021

Weekly genetics review: Getting your bulls safely through joining

In breeding cattle, joining is a make-or-break period, in more ways than one. In areas where controlled matings are used, production levels for the following season are determined by events that occur during a 6-12 week window. Here are some tips for joining, such as how to manage dominance, and the need for regular inspections…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 21/09/2021

How much milk is enough in a beef herd?

Producers often place emphasis on milk as a BreedPlan trait when considering a new beef sire. The ability to provide sufficient milk to support calf growth should be part of a producer’s check list, however, while milk is important, it needs to be placed in context to other traits. In particular it is important to consider the impact milk and calf growth has on overall enterprise profitability, genetics editor Al Rayner suggests ..Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 21/09/2021

Wagyu pioneer adds new grassfed breed to Australia

Victorian Wagyu pioneer David Blackmore has added a new breed of cattle to Australia, processing his first carcase from the Spanish Rubia Gallega breed earlier this year…Read More

Eric Barker, 16/09/2021

Ag Tech

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

What producers should check before investing in agtech

Founding director of the Australian Agtech Association, Andrew Coppin, offers a check-list that producers should follow before investing in agtech..Read More

Andrew Coppin*, 01/09/2021

Agtech: Understanding the value of on-farm sensors connected through low orbit satellite

A recent MLA research project sought to prove that adoption of reliable internet of things (IoT) networks could provide value to the livestock industry. The resounding feedback from participants in the project was that they see the highest level of value from IoT in the ability to remotely monitor water supply points (troughs and tanks) across their properties, as well as near-real time tracking of their livestock…Read More

Beef Central, 17/08/2021