Home - Beef Central

Methane debate sparks again with comments from Net Zero CRC CEO

The head of a research organisation put together to find ways of reducing agricultural emissions has labelled arguments that the beef industry did not need to reduce methane emissions as “rubbish”, prompting calls to stop treating producers with contempt…Read More

Eric Barker, 11/07/2025

Trade

Trump hits Brazilian beef with extra 50pc tariff, in latest trade war exchange

In the latest salvo in the ongoing Trump tariff campaign, the United States President has overnight announced that the US will impose a 50pc tariff on all Brazilian imported goods – including much-needed beef supplies…Read More

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

Markets

Chris Howie: Opportunity lost with the sunsetting of PCAS?

The sunsetting of the producer-controlled Pasturefed Cattle Assurance Scheme later this year is an opportunity lost, argues regular columnist, Chris Howie ..Read More

Chris Howie , 11/07/2025

The Week in Beef - Podcast

Introducing ‘The Week in Beef’: Beef Central’s new weekly news podcast

Beef Central yesterday launched The Week in Beef, a dedicated weekly news podcast to keep the Australian beef industry informed, connected and up-to-date…Read More

Beef Central, 10/07/2025

The Weekly Grill

S5 Ep22: Veteran Full Blood Wagyu producer, Paul Harris

Paul Harris has built a successful Rockhampton-based rural accountancy practice over the past 40 years – but outside spread sheets and P&L statements, his great passion is breeding Fullblood Wagyu cattle. Few have done it better, as Kerry Lonergan discovers in this week’s Weekly Grill podcast..Read More

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

Recruitment

Recruitment: Keeping tabs on ag sector work injuries

The first real-time dashboard for tracking on-farm fatalities and injuries has been launched, giving the farming community, farm safety advocates, researchers and remote area medical personnel early insights into where and how agricultural incidents are occurring…Read More

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

News

Don’t let pigs “hog” the food – landholders urged to act now

As we head into the cooler months, feral pigs are on the move and hungry. With less natural food available, they’re increasingly targeting grain trails and livestock feeders, putting added..Read More

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

Markets

Dubbo sale 10 July: Numbers rolling in with lift in yarding

The continuing dry conditions in the far west keep numbers rolling in with the yarding lifting by 1120 for a total of 5950…Read More

NLRS - David Monk, 11/07/2025

News

Chef Sam Burke’s epic full circle beef journey from the NT to USA

James Nason, 10/07/2025

News

Australia and US need to act as partners, not competitors, in red meat supply

Terry Sim, 10/07/2025

Production

Reducing methane while supporting livestock gains through pasture selection

Beef Central, 10/07/2025

Production

Updated module for accrediting and re-accrediting LPA to take effect in September

Beef Central, 10/07/2025

News

Nuffield scholarship experience sparks innovation and growth for participants

Beef Central, 10/07/2025

Markets

Dalby sale 9 July 2025: Over 2000 increase in cattle yarded

Guest Author, 10/07/2025

Industry Dashboard

Carbon Trading Market

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

Today

35.25

Source: Jarden

$A / $US

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.6589

Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

11 Jul 2025 (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

153008

Source: MLA's NLRS

EYCI

Eastern Young Cattle Indicator, c/kg

Today

726.6

Source: MLA's NLRS

90CL Cow

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

Today

1060

Source: Steiner Consulting, MLA

Live Export

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

Today

335

Source: Trade contacts

SOI

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

0.73

Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Feeder Steer

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

Today

410

Source: Feeder Steer

What readers are saying

Weekly genetics review: Breeding for consistency through understanding residual variance

Excellent article Al. Great conversation starter on consistency, predictability and how that translates from a long-term stable breeding program.....

Alice Greenup

Red meat production bodies back levy review

First and foremost the levy review should serve the interests of the levy payers and in particular the grass-fed cattle levy payers.....

Jock Douglas

What is the New World Screwworm and what can be done about it?

Thankfully Australia prepared for an incursion of SWF from our North back in 1991. Our modelling program could predict the direction and rate of spread of any outbreak, ....

John Andre

New Strategic Plan sets out MLA priorities for next five years

I am delighted to hear MLA are focusing on value base marketing, which hopefully will reward the breeder that can produce heavier and higher yielding....

Andrew cabassi

Methane debate sparks again with comments from Net Zero CRC CEO

Eric Barker, 11/07/2025

Introducing ‘The Week in Beef’: Beef Central’s new weekly news podcast

Beef Central yesterday launched The Week in Beef, a dedicated weekly news podcast to keep the Australian beef industry informed, connected and up-to-date…Read More

Beef Central, 10/07/2025

Recruitment: Keeping tabs on ag sector work injuries

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

Don’t let pigs “hog” the food – landholders urged to act now

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

Markets

Chris Howie: Opportunity lost with the sunsetting of PCAS?

The sunsetting of the producer-controlled Pasturefed Cattle Assurance Scheme later this year is an opportunity lost, argues regular columnist, Chris Howie ..Read More

Chris Howie , 11/07/2025

Dubbo sale 10 July: Numbers rolling in with lift in yarding

The continuing dry conditions in the far west keep numbers rolling in with the yarding lifting by 1120 for a total of 5950…Read More

NLRS - David Monk, 11/07/2025

Dalby sale 9 July 2025: Over 2000 increase in cattle yarded

Export buyer attendance was good with the most support from southern operators. The regular feed and trade buyers plus restockers were present and active. ..Read More

Guest Author, 10/07/2025

Prices meeting a flush of cattle in early financial year sales

Saleyard prices appear to be meeting an early financial year influx of cattle, with 8000 head sold at Roma yesterday and Dalby agents working through 7000 head today…Read More

Eric Barker, 09/07/2025

An Animal Welfare Management Plan is now part of Livestock Production Assurance accreditation, and a new tool is available in LPA accounts to help producers complete and submit a plan specific for their operation…Read More

Beef Central, 10/07/2025

World Zoonoses Day casts light on Australia’s critically-important disease-free status

With more than 60pc of known infectious diseases in humans originating from animals and around 75pc of emerging infectious diseases having zoonotic origins, World Zoonoses Day held this week shines a light on the critical need for collaboration…Read More

Beef Central, 08/07/2025

Where are wild dog fences and are they working?

Governments have spent millions of dollars on wild dog fencing around Australia, but has it made a difference? ..Read More

Lydia Burton, 07/07/2025

Processing

Weekly kill: Higher rates of production may have reached their peak

After setting a 2025 season high of almost 159,000 head a week earlier, rates of adult cattle slaughter eased a little last week. It’s now looking increasingly like the rates of national kill since mid June are approaching their physical threshold given current labour resources, and may be about to tap-out…Read More

Jon Condon, 08/07/2025

Three key pillars in processing sector’s 2025-2030 strategic plan

Australia’s red meat processing industry will focus on three key pillars in its 2025-2030 five year strategic plan released this week. The strategic plan aligns with similar documents released by MLA and RMAC over the past week. ..Read More

Beef Central, 03/07/2025

Weekly kill: NZ industry in trouble; Aussie processors chasing cattle with weight

As the industry reaches the winter mid-point, what’s emerging is particularly high demand for slaughter cattle (especially cows) with weight. That’s especially evident in saleyards procurement, where some heavy tussles have been occurring between southern processors, and those further north. Thursday’s Dubbo sale saw heavy cows hit a new yards record of 360c/kg liveweight, while other centres like Gunnedah and Wodonga this morning were not far behind…Read More

Jon Condon, 01/07/2025

Processing industry a world leader in animal welfare best practice

A recently completed research project aimed at helping the red meat processing industry understand and adapt to changing animal welfare regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance, enhancing industry capability, and maintaining community..Read More

Beef Central, 27/06/2025

Lotfeeding

Feeder cattle market: British X in demand as all grids rise

It seems a rising tide is lifting all boats in the feeder market, with grids increasing across most categories over the past fortnight…Read More

Eric Barker, 07/07/2025

Feedgrain Focus: Mixed ideas about Vic, SA hold sway

Mixed conditions for crops and grazing in south-eastern Australia are weighing on ideas about new-crop pricing and volume. ..Read More

Liz Wells, 07/07/2025

Rising construction costs delay new Mort & Co CQ feedlot

Rising construction costs have delayed Australia’s second largest lotfeeder’s plans to build a world class new feedlot in Central Queensland…Read More

Lydia Burton, 01/07/2025

Lotfeeders developing best practise guidelines for managing extra cattle during drought

Australian feedlots have prided themselves for decades on providing a vital drought mitigation tool during tough seasons, but they now operate permanently near capacity. What happens the next time seasons turn? Lotfeeders have been working on this topic behind the scenes. ..Read More

Jon Condon, 30/06/2025

Live Export

SE Asia Report: Policy moving faster than cattle in Southeast Asia

Across key importing countries, the first half of 2025 has seen governments take a more assertive stance on food security…Read More

Dr Michael Patching, 08/07/2025

Indonesia lifts quota restrictions on live cattle imports

After issuing two cattle import permit allocations so far in 2025, the Indonesian Government has made the surprise move of lifting quota restrictions on live cattle imports altogether…Read More

James Nason, 17/06/2025

SE Asia Report: Indonesia’s next permit move front of mind for exporters

China’s domestic cattle prices improving, but Australian live exports remain well below previous levels | Indonesia’s live cattle imports hesitate momentarily amid import permit uncertainty; positive government signals yet to translate into renewed buying | Vietnam’s weakening currency adds cost pressure on cattle imports as competition from boxed beef continues to weigh on demand…Read More

Dr Michael Patching, 13/06/2025

May live cattle exports to year high

Overall cattle exports totalled 87,080 head, 21 percent above the five-year-average for May…Read More

Beef Central, 11/06/2025

Trade

Trump hits Brazilian beef with extra 50pc tariff, in latest trade war exchange

Beef Central, 11/07/2025

UK farmers outraged Australian beef is selling cheaper citing lower welfare standards

Farmers in the UK outraged to see imported beef, including from Australia, selling cheaper citing the countries have lower welfare standards…Read More

Lydia Burton, 07/07/2025

Australia avoids steeper duties as US ‘Liberation Day’ deadline approaches

Australia appears to have avoided further tariff increases as the United States warns trading nations a 90-day freeze on “Liberation Day” hikes announced in April is set to expire on Wednesday…Read More

Beef Central, 07/07/2025

EU suppliers to upload geo-location data as deforestation deadline approaches

Europe’s ban on goods linked to deforestation is fast approaching, with EU-eligible cattle heading into feedlots in the coming months needing to tick the box for compliance…Read More

Eric Barker, 03/07/2025

Genetics

Weekly genetics review: Breeding for consistency through understanding residual variance

Ever notice how some sires produce even lines of calves while others, despite strong data, yield mixed results? Welcome to the genetic effect known as ‘residual variance’ – basically, the amount of unexplained variation in a given trait…Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 08/07/2025

Seven years on, for Single-Step Genomic BreedPlan

The Brahman breed was the first in the world to embrace multi-trait Single-Step Genomic BreedPlan evaluation, combining pedigree, performance, and genomic information into a single genetic analysis, back in 2017. What’s been learned since then?..Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 08/07/2025

Rookie ranchers trace Santa Gertrudis origins Down Under

Two young Texan ranchers whose families are deeply entwined with the birthplace of Santa Gertrudis cattle have made a visit to the region in Queensland where it all began for the breed Down Under…Read More

Beef Central, 08/07/2025

Weekly genetics review: Overcoming ‘optimism bias’ at sale time

Although it may be subtle, one of the factors at play during bull sales is the influence of ‘Optimism Bias’ among both bull breeders and purchasers. The phenomenon has been the subject of some interesting recent research in the United States..Read More

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 01/07/2025

Ag Tech

AI is coming for agriculture, but farmers aren’t convinced

What do the people working the land make of articificial intelligence? We interviewed dozens of Australian farmers about AI and digital technology, and found they had a sophisticated understanding of their own needs and how technology might help – as well as a wariness of tech companies’ utopian promises…Read More

Tom Lee, University of Technology Sydney, 02/07/2025

Victoria set to follow other States by legalising virtual fencing

Victoria is set to follow most other Australian states in legalising the use of virtual fencing technology for managing livestock…Read More

Beef Central, 22/05/2025

SA producers still blocked from proven technology as NSW green lights virtual fencing

Livestock SA is calling on the South Australian Government to urgently reform outdated regulations that continue to block livestock producers from using virtual fencing, as New South Wales becomes the latest state to legalise the technology…Read More

Beef Central, 02/05/2025

AgTech success story as Optiweigh delivers 1000th in-paddock weighing unit

One of Australia’s agtech success stories has crossed a significant milestone, with the delivery of the 1000th Optiweigh unit to one of the company’s early adopters…Read More

Eric Barker, 30/01/2025

AgProperty Central

Weekly property review: Carbon co-existing on Conways

Many rural property owners appear to have been sold the dream of producing carbon but have been left unsure about how to navigate the way forward. This week’s property review shines a spotlight on the Northern Territory’s Conways – an example of how carbon can co-exist on an extensive northern cattle station…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 09/07/2025

Australia’s carbon market in state of flux

Writing in his company’s monthly property review, Herron Todd White’s Toowoomba-based valuer Bart Bowen looks into reasons why activity in the carbon space has slowed..Read More

Beef Central, 09/07/2025

Weekly property review: Recently completed sales

Two NQ cattle stations change hands for $20m | Local expands with New England’s Eulabah Aggregation | NT Government secures Silkwood | Toowoomba’s impressive Stanton sells under the hammer | North Burnett’s Lochaber passes-in at auction..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 02/07/2025

Movement at the Station: Recent QLD property listings

Desert uplands breeder block runs 1500 breeders | NQ floodplain grazing country well grassed | FNQ portfolio could make $9m-$10m | $10.5m for fully exclusion fenced grazing ..Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, 02/07/2025

AgCarbon Central

Aus red meat sector drops Carbon Neutral 2030 target

In a major policy reset, the Australian red meat industry is walking away from the Carbon Neutral 2030 target set in 2017…Read More

James Nason, 26/06/2025

Rural reality: How cattle producers are working with nature, not against it

If your entire understanding of how cattle properties are managed came from conservation groups, it would be easy to form the impression that Australian cattle producers enjoy nothing more than tearing down virgin forest and destroying threatened species…Read More

James Nason and Eric Barker, 20/06/2025