Cattle Projections Looking Up After Hitting The Lowest Level Yet
The Australian cattle numbers fell to their lowest level in two decades in 2020 following the severe and prolonged drought we have received. With current prices at record high levels, improved weather conditions in most areas and a return to slightly normal conditions are now affecting producers’ decisions on cattle breeding and retainment. Things are looking up for the national cattle projections as it enters the rebuild phase with a forecast of a 2% increase to 25.2 million head.
The increase is attributed to the above-average summer rain in northern Australia during the 2020-21 wet season and the improved seasonal conditions in southern Australia. As a result, there is a substantial amount of pasture in most major cattle-producing regions. This has improved producers’ ability to provide for their cattle as well as increase their stock supply. For all producers located in the different regions of northern Australia, FutureBeef’s webinar on ‘making the most of the forecast’ is a great resource on the tools which are most useful in understanding the current climate and the La Nina season. However, the increase to cattle numbers does not correlate to an increase in the availability of cattle in the market.
In 2021, cattle supply is expected to tighten, as producers retain more breeding stock to rebuild their herd and maintain their genetic pool. It is projected that an increase in retaining heifers for breeding will result in the percentage of heifer slaughter dropping around the second half of 2021. This is forecasted to drop below 47% which signals a strategic rebuild.
The focus on retaining cattle to improve herd numbers is also expected to decrease slaughter levels (although not drastically). The projected numbers of cattle slaughtered are expected to decrease by 3% to 6.9 million head. Meanwhile, calf slaughter is also expected to drop by at least 7% as producers turn away from the vealer market. Yardings and slaughter numbers are already showing this with figures from early 2021 down on early 2020 levels.
What differentiates this rebuild from previous rebuilds is the pricing of cattle. The current record high prices may motivate producers to take advantage of these prices by offloading them. Interestingly, in the current climate, the carcase weights will have the biggest impact as both an increase of prices and feed availability will encourage producers to retain their cattle for longer in order to achieve higher weights and greater returns. As the size of the feedlot sector continues to grow (with over 1 million head currently feeding), the carcase weights will continue to rise with the projected 2021 predictions to rise by 9.3kg/head to a record-breaking 301.3kg/head.
The export levels are forecasted to grow by 10% over the next three years with 2021 increasing
by 2% to 1.1 million tonnes and by 2023 to 1.2 million tonnes. Despite the COVID-19 impact on beef demand in key markets the global GDP is expected to grow by 5% in 2021 which should also see an increase in global demand for beef rebound. Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has provided a great research report on the industry projection of 2021 which provides insight on the various considerations producers must be aware of in the industry. With producers retaining stock to improve levels, it will be interesting to see the effects this has long term on export and demand.
The forecast for 2021 is unexplored territory for the Australian beef industry. Although the COVID-19 recovery has begun, its impact will continue for years to come. The current figures surrounding cattle rebuild signals a slower rebuild than previous occurrences. This can be attributed to fewer numbers in breeding stock and the impacts of the drought on producers.
There are clear opportunities for the Australian beef industry both nationally and globally, however, how we overcome the current challenges will require adaptation and forward-thinking.
How to achieve low-stress cattle handling
There are many benefits to low-stress cattle handling for farmers. Not only does it ensure the health and wellbeing of the animal, but it also leads to higher weight gains, conception rates, milk yields and even less susceptibility to disease. By achieving low-stress cattle handling both the farmer and the animal are rewarded. Livestock become stressed when something in its environment causes their control mechanisms to become overtaxed and thereby, no longer working effectively or efficiently.
So how can we avoid ‘stressors’ and ensure the livestock’s health? Here we break down 5 ways to achieve low-stress cattle handling.
Benefits of Steel Shed Storage
No one would argue that valuables are at risk and unprotected when outside, and the resources on your farm are no different. Grain feed isn’t left out in the rain, it’s stored away where it’s dry and it can remain safe. The same is true for any number of things you can find on a farm. Thinking about this raises the question, what’s the best material to use for shelter? Although we may be a bit biased, we have a number of good reasons to believe that the answer is steel shed storage.
Advantages of Keeping Comfortable Cattle
Livestock farmers are under both moral and regulatory obligations to take good care of all the animals living on their farm. But the benefits of keeping comfortable cattle goes far beyond avoiding costly penalties. Although this is obvious, it can be challenging to get the wheels rolling on an animal or cattle comfort strategy.
Solar Panels on Steel Sheds
Think of a steel shed. A trusty though somewhat boring type of structure – there’s not much room for imagination so it would seem. But, as steel fabricators, we know and see all when it comes to steel sheds – and the pick of the day is solar energy. You build a steel shed because you need to protect the things – equipment, supplies, livestock – all that go inside a structure. But what about that space on the roof? Most people don’t even consider that it provides an ideal space to mount solar panels.Read more
1.5m Apart Cows! How COVID-19 has Reshaped Australian Agriculture
A year in review. Although 2020 is a year we’d all like to forget, it impacted Australian agriculture less than you might think. With beautiful rains on the forecast, and plenty of socially distanced land to roam on, what’s there to complain about?Read more
Protecting Your Farm from Disease
The farmer’s workday is one of the busiest and most productive of any profession. Diseases and biosecurity can and will present serious problems if not kept in check. Despite that, they’re sometimes forgotten when thinking of maintaining a steady stream of work. While worker and animal safety are always the top priority of any farm, there are some threats that are less obvious.Read more
Why Your Farm Should Have a Custom Cattle Yard Design
While a good craftsman never blames his tools, it’s also undeniable that the right tools makes a job easier. Having the right cattle yard on your farm is no different. All too often, we hear from farmers who have been breaking their backs because their yards make their jobs harder. Optimising the flow of cattle becomes a lot easier with a custom cattle yard design.Read more
End-to-End Service in Steel Fabrication
Rural communities are tight knit; people depend on each other more so than in the city. At Steel Supplies Charters Towers, we’ve been lucky enough to build close and long-standing relationships with many of our clients. It’s with this experience we’ve come to appreciate how important end-to-end service is. Read more
Wood vs Steel – House Framing Materials
So, you’ve finally made the decision to build your own home – now the excitement levels are rising. But given the lasting impact of your building decisions, it’s critical not to rush them – spend ample time and effort making careful selections. Read more
