Continued strong demand from an increasingly diverse range of global markets will combine with favourable seasons to drive an expansion in production and exports in 2012, according to MLA's cattle industry projections.

Total Australian beef and veal production for 2012 is forecast to reach a record 2.197 million tonnes cwt, up 2.2%, as good seasons result in heavier than average carcase weights.

The projections provide a comprehensive outlook and forecasts on the Australian cattle industry.