Majority of Australian cattle producers optimistic despite mixed conditions

Australian cattle producers remain confident in the outlook for the beef industry, with new insights from the latest Beef Producer Intentions Survey (BPIS) highlighting sustained optimism and steady herd rebuilding.
 
The April 2026 survey, conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), gathered responses from 3,055 grassfed beef cattle producers nationwide. The results, weighted to reflect the national producer base, provide a comprehensive snapshot of industry sentiment, herd composition and production intentions.
 
More than six in ten producers (61%) reported a positive outlook for the next 12 months, while just 8% indicated a negative outlook, resulting in a strong net sentiment score of +53.
 
MLA Senior Market Information Analyst Emiliano Diaz said the findings reflect a resilient industry navigating a complex operating environment.
 
“Despite ongoing seasonal and market variability, Australian beef producers continue to show strong confidence in the year ahead,” Mr Diaz said.
 
“While sentiment has moderated slightly from the highs seen in late 2025, it remains well above long-term averages, highlighting the underlying strength of the sector.”
 
Sentiment remained positive across all states, with Victoria and South Australia recording the highest levels (both +66), followed by Tasmania (+63), Western Australia (+54), Queensland (+50) and New South Wales (+45).
 
Western Australia recorded the largest year-on-year improvement, reflecting a notable lift in confidence.
 
“These results show confidence is broadly shared across the country, even though seasonal conditions and operating environments vary by region,” Mr Diaz said.
 
“This is particularly evident in Western Australia, where producer sentiment has strengthened considerably over the past 12 months.”
 
Herd management intentions remain stable, with 26% of producers planning to increase herd size over the next year, 54% intending to maintain current levels and 21% expecting to reduce.
 
These figures are in line with results from the same time last year and point to a cautious but steady approach to herd management.
 
“Producers are carefully balancing decisions to rebuild or maintain herds against factors such as seasonal conditions, input costs and market opportunities,” Mr Diaz said.
 
“The data shows most producers are prioritising stability, with gradual herd growth where conditions allow rather than large-scale shifts.”
 
The survey estimates the national grassfed adult cattle herd at approximately 29.7 million head as at 31 March 2026. Queensland remains the largest cattle-producing state, accounting for around 46% of the national herd, followed by New South Wales at 18%, with other states comprising the remainder.
 
Strong levels of cattle turn-off were reported in the first half of 2026, with producers indicating total sales of approximately 5.2 million head, split relatively evenly between the first and second quarters.
This reflects both seasonal pressures in some regions and continued strong demand across domestic and export markets.
 
“Producers are actively managing stock levels in response to local seasonal conditions, particularly in areas affected by dry weather, including northern NSW and southern Queensland,” Mr Diaz said.
 
“At the same time, strong global demand and tight supply are creating opportunities, which is helping to support overall confidence.”
 
Mr Diaz said the results reinforce the strength of the Australian beef industry as it navigates a period of both opportunity and challenge.
 
“Global market conditions remain favourable for Australian beef, even as producers manage ongoing risks such as climate variability and input costs,” he said.
 
“The consistency in producer sentiment and intentions underscores a sector that is well positioned for the year ahead.”
 
The Beef Producer Intentions Survey was developed by MLA to provide reliable industry insights and is used by both MLA and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It is also a key input into MLA’s beef industry forecasting models.
  
To view the full report, visit: Beef Producers Intentions Survey April 2026

The next Sheep Producers Intentions Survey is currently in field. All sheep producers who are interested to have their say are encouraged to here: Sheep Producers Intentions Survey