BEEF PRODUCERS HOLDING TO HERD PLANS

New data from Meat and Livestock Australia has revealed more than eight in 10 Australian beef producers have maintained their herd intentions, despite mixed seasonal conditions.

The latest Beef Producers Intentions Pulse Survey found 83 per cent of producers have kept the same herd plans reported in April.

Australia’s 2026 autumn calf drop is estimated at 2.49 million head, virtually unchanged from the earlier forecast.

Cattle sales have been below expectations, with an estimated 4.73 million head sold in the first six months of the year, compared with the earlier forecast of 5.19 million.

MLA Senior Market Analyst Emiliano Diaz says producers remain confident in their longer-term plans, while responding to conditions on farm and in the market.

Among producers who sold fewer cattle than planned, 38 per cent said livestock had not reached target weights, while 19 per cent were holding cattle in anticipation of stronger prices.