A new test is being developed to make it easier for producers to choose low-methane pastures without compromising livestock performance.

Approximately 8,797,513 head were processed in Australia over the past 12 months – the second highest in any financial year since FY1978−1979. Processor-ready cattle numbers have lifted due to variable rainfall, or lack thereof, across cattle-producing regions.

The MLA National Heavy Lamb Indicator reached its highest price on record at 1,127¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), lifting 12% in the past month. For two months, lamb prices broke $10/kg, resulting in the highest ever prices for every indicator except the Mutton Indicator.

The Dairy and Processor Cow Indicators both lifted this week but overall, the cattle market remained mostly subdued. Cattle yardings lifted by 5,240 to 61,316 head – driven by processor cows, restocker heifers and steers.

Graeme and Heather Fagg, daughter Annie-May and son Tom manage a 4,000 head, 18.5-micron merino flock and 2,000 crossbred prime lamb property at Mt Mercer, near Ballarat, Victoria.

Transporting sheep for slaughter

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), total beef and veal exports for the financial year reached 1.4 million tonnes, the highest annual volume ever. Mutton exports also hit a new record at 256,104 tonnes. Lamb exports totalled 363,109 tonnes, making it the second-largest financial year for lamb exports.

MLA is launching Livestock Advisor Essentials in 2021, a southern-focused pilot professional development program designed for early career professionals involved in the livestock industry.

Exciting news! MLA is calling for Expressions of interest for new Reference Population models for beef and sheep. Online preliminary applications are open until the 30th of July 2025.

Australia’s premier livestock export conference will be held on 26-27 November 2025 at Optus Stadium, Perth.