What’s driving producers’ 2025 business decisions?

Producer sentiment and national calving rates are strengthening as seen in the most recent Beef Producers Intentions Survey (BPIS) results. The BPIS gathers a wide range of information across industry covering the herd, producer sentiment, intentions, breeding programs, sales expectations for the season ahead.  

Producers are feeling more positive  

National 

BPIS results showed a significantly higher nett sentiment (+19 to 53) among producers in comparison to a year ago, indicating market stability for the next 12 months. Results show 6/10 producers have a positive outlook and only 1/10 reported a negative. Northern producers (+65) are more positive than southern (+52). For the first time ever, geopolitics and tariff-related market instability were top concerns for producers over price and weather concerns.  

State 

All states reported a positive increase in sentiment, with Queensland the highest increase (+69), followed by NSW (+58) and Victoria (+46). Confidence for WA producers improved (+14) but remains the lowest state result. 

State Sentiment Comparison 

National calving rates stable despite reduced join rate 

The national breeding herd join rate reduced to 55% (6% lower than a year ago). Yearly calving rates remained stable at 79%, indicating less breeding cows were joined.  

SA was the only state with a notable drop in join rate, dropping 37 points to 46%. However, SA’s calving rates were significantly higher than the national rate at 88%.  

Tasmania experienced a 24 point join rate increase but calving rates dipped to 35% indicating fewer calves were delivered despite more cows joined. 

For more insights, visit the Beef Producers Intentions Survey page 

Attribute content to: Emily Tan, MLA Market Information Analyst 

*Figures of Queensland producers significantly impacted by the floods were not included in these estimates