Grainfed Beef Sector hits Record High

Australia’s grainfed beef industry has reached another milestone, with new records set for feedlot capacity, cattle on feed and quarterly turn-off.

The latest survey from the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association and Meat and Livestock Australia, shows more than one million cattle were turned off feed for the first time during the March quarter.

Turn-off rose 11% to just over one million head, while national feedlot capacity increased to a record one-point-seven-eight million head.

Numbers on feed also climbed to a new high of more than 1.62 million head, with utilisation remaining strong at 92% nationally.

ALFA President Grant Garey says the results reflect continued investment in feedlot infrastructure and strong confidence across the sector, despite ongoing global and domestic challenges.

While drought conditions, market uncertainty and rising input costs remain concerns, industry leaders say demand for grainfed beef remains robust and the sector continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum.