One of the most significant changes for the September quarter was a 17% year-on-year increase in grainfed cattle turnoff, to 710,167 head. This was the second highest quarterly turnoff result on record, even through the total number of cattle on feed remains 19% below the record levels set in June 2006 (940,097 head).

 

While numbers on feed in Queensland during the September quarter declined 3% from June, they remained 3% above 2009 levels, at 442,718 head. However, there was a sharp jump in cattle movement throughout the quarter, with placements up 12% year-on-year, while marketings increased 25%. Cattle supplies in Queensland during the quarter were particularly weather-driven, with heavy rains restricting the supply of grassfed cattle and lifting the overall condition of feeder cattle, resulting in less average days on feed being required.

 

Numbers on feed also rose 1% year-on-year in NSW, to 224,614 head and 29% in SA to 22,971 head, but declined 1% in Victoria to 53,306 head. Numbers for the quarter in WA went against the traditional September trend and jumped 130% year-on-year, to 22,206 head, as drought conditions worsened.

 

Export conditions remain tough for grainfed beef, with recovering demand in overseas markets and a record high A$ reducing our price competitiveness. This was reflected during the September quarter with an 11% fall in cattle being fed for export markets. In contrast, domestic fed cattle continue to rise as a proportion of cattle on feed, accounting for 38% of total cattle on feed over the quarter – the highest level since 2004.