2012 MLA Australian cattle industry projections
MLA's Australian cattle industry projections 2012 provides a comprehensive outlook on the cattle industry including forecasts for the national herd, cattle and beef supply, and exports.
Published in January 2012, the projections include forecasts for:
- 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.
- 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.
- While cattle numbers will increase, supply will remain relatively tight compared to the herd liquidating drought years of the past decade.
- Global demand for beef is expected to be sustained, if not strengthen – particularly in Asia, South America and the Middle East – while at the same time global beef prices are tracking at historically high levels. Such factors will help to dampen the impact of the high Australian dollar.
- Total beef exports are predicted to increase, driven by expansion into Russia, the Middle East and most southern Asian markets. Traditional export markets will continue to be challenging, with the exception of the US market which is forecast to improve in 2012, as high prices attract additional product, reversing almost a decade of falling Australian shipments.
- The outlook for the live cattle trade in 2012 continues to be dominated by prospects to Indonesia, with total exports currently forecast to decrease 16% in 2012.
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