Australian livestock growing again

Australian livestock hit a low last year, but Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) expects livestock to grow again this year. Â Beef exports are also expected to increase.

Australian livestock reached an all-time low last year due to drought and feed shortages. MLA expects that the livestock will increase again this year and that there will be 2021% more livestock again by mid-2 than last year. This amounts to approximately 25,19 million animals. Due to the sufficient amount of rain that has fallen over the land and the good condition of the pastures, reconstruction of the cattle herds is possible. It will probably take until 2023 for livestock to return to 2017 and 2018 levels.

Lower slaughter figures
As livestock recovery is underway, fewer calves and female cattle are likely to be slaughtered. MLA expects a 2021% decrease in 3 compared to 2020. This equates to approximately 220.000 fewer animals on the slaughter hook. The slaughter weights, on the other hand, do not fall according to the prognosis. Beef production is expected to increase by 1% to 2,11 million tons.

Beef exports will increase by 2% to 1,56 million tons, according to the trade association's forecast. The export of live animals will actually decrease and a significant decrease of 9% is calculated.

Milk supply
The milk supply also increased last year positively developed. For the whole of 2020, milk production was approximately 2,8% higher than in the previous year. In view of the expected growth in the livestock, it is quite possible that the milk supply can also achieve growth. 

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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