Market information resources for the red meat industry

MLA analysts provide accurate and timely market information to the red meat industry through a range of resources.

The information is sourced from the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS), an independent market intelligence agency within MLA that collects and reports on livestock market data. This data includes slaughter statistics, wholesale meat prices, and skin and hide prices.

Here’s an overview of the types of resources available to the industry.

Market reports

• Cattle Physical Sale
• Sheep Physical Sale
• Daily Cattle Price Indicators
• Daily Sheep Price Indicators
• Cattle Yardings
• Sheep Yardings
• Cattle Slaughter
• Lamb and Sheep Slaughter
• Goat Slaughter
• Sheep Over the Hook
• Goat Over the Hook.

Publications

MLA’s Market Information analysts examine and interpret developments in, and prospects for, the Australian domestic market, key export markets and major competitors. The team produces a wide range of publications, including:

• Cattle and Sheep Projections: Published twice a year in March and September, these projections provide a comprehensive outlook on the cattle and sheep industry, including forecasts for the national herd and flock, cattle/sheep and lamb supply and carcase weights.
• Lot-feeding brief: In conjunction with Australia Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), MLA conducts a quarterly survey to monitor the trends and movements in the feedlot sector.
• State of the Industry: This report provides an overview of Australia’s red meat and livestock industry from the prior calendar year. It explores the economic impact and landscape of the sector.
• Co-products market reports: Monthly reports from abattoirs across the country participating in MLA’s co-products survey, collating average price and trends.
• Global Beef market update: A comprehensive overview of the global beef market and Australia’s position in it.
• Industry Fast Facts: Facts and figures about Australia’s beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat industries, including numbers by state, exports, production and consumption levels, and Australia’s position relative to other countries.
• Weight Specifications: A graphic representation of guidelines on the evolving preferred carcase weights for cattle and lambs provides in the domestic market.
• Weaner Producer Factsheet 2025: A factsheet informing stakeholders about weaners from turn-off weight, age at sale and sales channel.
• Beef Producers Intentions Survey: A survey conducted among grassfed beef producers three times a year to collect insights on Australia’s cattle sector. The information requested covers herd numbers by category and breed, producer sentiment, selling decisions and more.
• Sheep Producers Intentions Survey: A joint survey by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and MLA, conducted among Australian sheep producers three times a year. The information requested covers sheepmeat industry livestock numbers and lamb production expectations.