Beef
1 June, 2026
Strong start for beef production
NEW data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows Australia’s beef industry has begun 2026 with its strongest start on record.
The data, analysed by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), was underpinned by high throughput, favourable seasonal conditions in northern regions and increased yardings in parts of New South Wales.
Australia produced 730,077 tonnes of beef in the March quarter, up two per cent on the December 2025 quarter and eight per cent higher year-on-year, marking the largest first quarter production on record.
Cattle slaughter reached 2.30 million head, representing a six per cent lift on the March 2025 quarter, reinforcing the strong supply pipeline following record production levels last year.
MLA market information manager Stephen Bignell said the results highlighted the continued momentum across the cattle sector, with regional dynamics playing a key role.
“The latest ABS data confirms a very strong start to 2026 for the Australian beef industry, with production lifting on both the previous quarter and year-ago levels,” Mr Bignell said.
“Favourable seasonal conditions across northern Australia are supporting productivity, while dry conditions in northern New South Wales have contributed to higher yardings and turn-off in that region.”
Carcase weights also continue to trend upward, reaching 317kg in the March quarter, reflecting improved conditions and high grainfed turnoff.
The national female slaughter rate lifted slightly to 53 per cent, indicating ongoing herd adjustment, but remains below recent peaks.
State by state, processing trends were mixed.
Queensland slaughter lifted one per cent to 951,000 head;
Victoria rose two per cent to 552,900 head;
New South Wales eased slightly, down one per cent to 539,000 head;
Western Australia dropped eight per cent to 112,200;
South Australia eased one per cent to 85,800; and
Tasmania lifted five per cent to 61,000.
Meanwhile, the value of cattle transactions reached a record $6 billion for the quarter.
This highlighted the continued strength in the sector despite shifting market dynamics.
“Record transaction values demonstrate the resilience and underlying demand for Australian cattle, both domestically and internationally,” Mr Bignell said.
“While we are seeing some moderation following the exceptional highs of 2025, the fundamentals of the beef sector remain strong.”
Mr Bignell said the March quarter results position the industry strongly for the remainder of 2026.
“We expect production to remain elevated in the near term, supported by herd dynamics and seasonal conditions,” he said.
“Australia continues to play a critical role in global red meat supply, and these results reinforce the industry’s capacity to meet ongoing domestic and export demand.”