A SURVEY by industry regulator Meat & Livestock Australia has found intentions of beef producers should keep national cattle numbers stable.
At the same time, the number of calves born during the autumn season was 2.49 million head, a figure that was mostly expected.
The data comes from the Beef Producers Intentions Survey, and according to MLA senior market analyst Emiliano Diaz, the results show long-term confidence in the beef sector.
“One of the strongest messages from this survey is that producers are making deliberate decisions based on what is happening on-farm as well as the market,” he said.
“Seasonal conditions, livestock performance, production targets and market signals are all influencing those decisions.
“That confidence is reflected in the fact that more than eight in 10 producers have maintained the same herd intentions they reported earlier this year.”
Predicted sales numbers are down, however, with an estimated 4.73 million animals expected to reach the market, dropping from 5.19 million predicted earlier in 2026.
Mr Diaz said the drop was due to a number of factors, as opposed to a single issue affecting the market.
“For many producers, cattle simply weren’t ready to sell when they had initially expected,” he said.
“That can reflect a range of production factors, including pockets of tougher seasonal conditions experienced in some regions earlier in the year, which can affect weight gain and the timing of turn-off.
“For others, market expectations also played a role, with some producers choosing to retain cattle longer where they saw an opportunity for stronger returns.”
Data in the Beef Producers Intentions Survey was collected from farmers in July and almost 1300 growers took part.
Mr Diaz said the survey provided valuable insight into market directions at the farm level.
“The BPIS provides a valuable picture of what’s happening on-farm and the factors shaping future cattle supply,” he said.
“These results show an industry that remains confident in its direction while continuing to adapt herd management and turn-off decisions to conditions on farm and in the market.”