Australian feedlot sector reaches new records as global demand drives growth
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Australian feedlots turned off a record 1,050,768 head in the June 2026 quarter, up 0.4% on March 2026 and 17.5% higher than June 2025.
Numbers on feed climbed to a record 1,660,513 head, with utilisation lifting to 93% nationally.
Grain fed beef exports reached a record 121,750 tonnes for a June quarter, driven by strong international demand.
Australia's feedlot sector continued its strong growth trajectory during the June 2026 quarter, with record numbers on feed, record feedlot capacity and record grain fed beef export volumes highlighting sustained confidence across the industry.
Results from the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Feedlot Survey show Australian feedlots turned off 1,050,768 head of cattle during the June 2026 quarter, while numbers on feed reached a new record of 1,660,513 head. Feedlot capacity also rose to a record 1,794,806 head.
ALFA President Grant Garey said the results reflected the strength of global demand for Australian grain fed beef and continued investment across the feedlot sector.
"The continued growth of Australia's feedlot sector reflects growing demand for a product that delivers consistency, quality and reliability.
“Grain fed beef allows producers to achieve the marbling, eating quality and carcase specifications premium customers expect, whether they're dining in Tokyo, Seoul or Sydney," Mr Garey said.
"Feedlots also provide a highly efficient production system, with carefully formulated rations supporting cattle performance and helping producers meet market requirements with confidence. That is why we are continuing to see record numbers on feed, ongoing investment in feedlot capacity and strong demand from global markets.
"Strong international demand has supported increased placements into feedlots, while continued investment in infrastructure has lifted national capacity to another record level.
"With utilisation reaching 93% nationally and numbers on feed sitting above 1.66 million head, the sector remains well positioned to supply premium grain fed beef to customers around the world."
Queensland remained Australia's largest feedlot state, accounting for 55% of national feedlot capacity. The state's utilisation rate lifted from 94% to 98% over the quarter, with turn-off rising 3.2% to 653,734 head and numbers on feed increasing 4.5% to 973,049 head.
New South Wales drove most of the national capacity growth, increasing 3% to 558,601 head. While turn-off eased 3.9% to 268,112 head, numbers on feed edged higher to 503,502 head.
South Australia recorded modest growth in capacity and cattle on feed, while Victoria and Western Australia experienced lower numbers on feed and utilisation rates during the quarter.
MLA Senior Market Information Analyst Emiliano Diaz said export demand remained a key driver of feedlot performance.
"Australian grain fed beef exports reached 121,750 tonnes during the June quarter, making it the largest June quarter export volume on record and 7.7% above the same period last year," Mr Diaz said.
"Growth in demand from key markets including Japan and Korea more than offset challenges in China, highlighting the diversification and resilience of Australia's grainfed export sector."
Exports to Korea increased 29% over the quarter to 25,027 tonnes, while exports to Japan lifted 21% to 32,656 tonnes. Exports to China declined 16% to 35,884 tonnes as market access challenges created disruption.
Domestic feeder cattle markets strengthened during the June quarter as supplies tightened. The National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) reported feeder steer throughput fell 11% to 76,707 head, while feeder heifer throughput declined 13% to 67,412 head.
The Feeder Steer Indicator lifted 2.5% to 485¢/kg liveweight, while the Feeder Heifer Indicator rose 4.7% to 439¢/kg liveweight.
Mr Diaz said improving seasonal conditions were influencing supply decisions across key production regions.
"Reduced feeder cattle availability, combined with improving on-farm conditions across parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland, contributed to stronger feeder cattle prices during the quarter," he said.
"At the same time, higher grain prices have increased feed costs, reinforcing the importance of operational efficiency across the supply chain."
Mr Garey said the record results highlighted the sector's ability to respond to growing global demand while continuing to deliver high-quality grain fed beef.
"Australian feedlots continue to play a critical role in supporting beef production, export growth and regional economies," he said.
"These record capacity and production figures provide a strong foundation as the industry continues to meet the needs of customers both domestically and internationally."
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Jack Johnston
MLA Corporate Affairs and Media Manager
0407 282 971
Grant Garey
ALFA President
(02) 9290 3700
