Grain fed Aussie cattle numbers on the rise

Australian cattle numbers on feed totaled 872,992 head, up 9% on the March quarter and 11% above the corresponding period in 2012.

Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) President Don Mackay commented that the June quarter survey outcome was predominantly the result of a decline in feeder cattle prices as grass fed producers in several states destocked due to drier than average seasonal conditions”.

Higher numbers on feed were recorded across most states for the three months, with the largest increases in Victoria with 50,907 head, up 26%, and WA with 36,356 head, up 39%, compared with the March quarter. Numbers in Queensland with 523,043 head and South Australia with 24,140 head were 11% and 8% higher respectively.  NSW with 238,186 head was the only state to record a decrease – just 1%.

Drought conditions over more than half of Queensland, along with tough autumn conditions for the southern states during the second quarter of 2013 contributed to a surge in cattle sales, MLA reports.

Meat & Livestock Australia’s Manager for Market Information and Analysis, Tim McRae stated that  “grain fed exports for the quarter were up 8% compared to the corresponding period last year ”.

“Total grain fed exports for 2012/13 were  198,158 tonnes swt, up 2% year-on-year, and 5% on the five-year averagewith the declines in to Japan  (6%)  and Korea ( 1% ) more than  offset by significant  increases to the EU and China  (82% and 429% respectively).

Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) President Don Mackay commented that the June quarter survey outcome was predominantly the result of a decline in feeder cattle prices as grass fed producers in several states destocked due to drier than average seasonal conditions”.