Record Beef Production Expected as National Herd Remains Above 30 Million: MLA Projections 2026
Australia is on track for another year of historically high cattle throughput, with Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Australian Cattle Industry Projections forecasting total slaughter to reach 9.45 million head in 2026, the highest result since 1978 and above the 2025 total.
MLA’s Manager for Market Information Stephen Bignell said producers were entering 2026 from a strong position.
“It is forecasted that 9.45 million head of cattle will be processed in 2026, which is the highest level recorded in almost five decades,” Mr Bignell said.
“This reflects strong global demand and solid production conditions across much of northern Australia...
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