Feedlot survey results: Why the number of cattle on feed remains high

The latest feedlot survey has been published, revealing the state of the industry for the October to December quarter. Here’s what the numbers reveal.

The latest feedlot survey result have been published. Picture: Supplied.

FOR the third year running, the number of cattle on feed remains above 1 million, with a recorded lift in numbers last quarter.

That’s according to the latest Australian Lot Feeders Association and Meat and Livestock Australia survey, which put the number of cattle on feed at 1.048 million for the October to December quarter, a lift of almost 38,000 cattle.

ALFA president Bryce Camm said the strong figures reflected the “significance feedlots play in the Australia beef supply chain”, after a year plagued by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

“2020 saw industry face unprecedented challenges ranging from COVID, the global recession, bushfires, floods, tightening cattle supply and a turnaround in seasonal conditions across Australia,” Mr Camm said.

“Yet despite these challenges Lot Feeders have kept the supply chain moving with our industry partners by continuing to focus on producing high quality grain fed beef.”

According to the survey, Queensland recorded a 0.5 per cent drop – or 2972 cattle – last quarter.

NSW cattle numbers lifted 6.3 per cent, Victoria 21 per cent South Australia 11.1 per cent, and Western Australia lifted 22 per cent.

MLA market information manager Steve Bignell said a softer grain market in 2020 following a bumper winter crop has boosted the feedlot sector.

“Both wheat and barley prices fell to levels not experienced since 2017,” Mr Bignell said.

“On the feedlot entry side reduced cattle availability converging with heavy restocker and feedlot competition drove the national feeder steer indicator average to a record 420c/kg.”

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