Century-low levels for wool volumes
The bad news keeps coming for the wool industry and stark new predictions show just how tough it is as volumes dip to those not seen for a century. We reveal the figures here.
Livestock
Scanned-in-lamb Merino ewes undervalued
Finding value in a market is easy in times of tough seasons as breeding stock prices suffer. And such a scenario is playing out in the ewe market this autumn.
‘We just love a baldy cow’
Howlong producer Andy Watson noticed a stark difference in the weight gain in his Angus and black baldy herd. Now, he’s pushing for value-based marketing.
Mutton, Merino lamb prices on the rise
Meat and Livestock Australia’s mutton indicator had a 107c/kg change this week, while Merino lambs rose 104c/kg. “What’s on offer now is genuine breeding.”
Farmers ‘trim the fat’ as female slaughter peaks
Female slaughter rates are nearing a new record as the southern states, particularly South Australia and Victoria, have had “much higher” female slaughter rates.
China approves more abattoirs, and apples for export
Sheep and apple producers are rejoicing as China approves 17 more abattoirs and apples grown on the mainland for export.
Q&A: Inside AACo’s billion-dollar beef empire
Australian Agricultural Company is the nation’s largest integrated cattle and beef producer. We sit down with managing director David Harris to talk about the challenges it faces in 2025.
300c/kg liveweight the trigger point to sell down cows
An analysis of the correlation between cow numbers and price since the start of 2024 appears to show a price trigger point for producers to sell down cows.
US looking for new customers for its beef
Red meat industry experts say US producers’ hunt for new export markets may have little impact on Australia’s own key export markets.
Wool volumes expected to drop further after Easter break
The wool industry is “yet to see the full impact” of flock decreases due to dry conditions and ongoing low prices, brokers say.
RWS wool fetches 100c/kg premium
RWS-certified wool is reaching premiums of up to 100-150c/kg but Australia’s wool pool is struggling to meet growing Western European demand.
Top Tassie bull to move to NSW
A top priced Angus bull from Tasmania is set to head north to a NSW stud which will hold exclusive rights to him.
Swan Hill saleyards ‘not financially viable’
The Swan Hill saleyards have been deemed unviable. But the local mayor says no decision has been made on their future.
Asia buffer to US tariff shock
There is still a lot to wash out from the Trump tariff turmoil, but historical trade flows of beef from the US suggest Asia could hold the key to any benefits for Australia.
Dry conditions lead to record-breaking yardings
Wagga Wagga saleyards has broken two records within one week for yarding size as Victorian saleyards host “unprecedented” numbers before Easter.
Wagyu pricing set to improve for elite product
After a more subdued market, the outlook for Australian Wagyu beef with high marble scores is looking bright, according to the experts.
Sheep and lamb prices expected to rise
Despite mutton crashing back down, producers, analysts and agents are expecting sheep and lamb prices to move higher. It is just a matter of when.
Northern orders for Ballarat store market
Northern orders have continued dominating Victorian store cattle sales after widespread rain in NSW and Queensland, as Ballarat steers reached above 500c/kg at last Friday’s store cattle sale.
US Wagyu breeders chase maternal lines
Wagyu breeders are chasing maternal genetics, after an annual elite sale reached nearly $100,000 for a top female.
Red meat exports sizzle in pre-tariff trading
Australian red meat exports have surged in the first three months of the year. Find out which countries are driving the demand for our beef and lamb.
Saliva swabs for worm-resistant sheep
Worm resistance could be a new breeding value, as a research project readies itself for market. Curlew Merinos stud co-principal Elise Kealy is one of 30 farmers taking part.
Inbreeding a challenge for Wagyu
Australian Wagyu Association chief executive Matt McDonagh says there is twice as much inbreeding in Wagyu as what they thought.
Don’t ‘write off the US’ for Aussie lamb
A leading Australian red meat representative says US demand may prove more resilient than first thought. Read why.
Benchmarking for profit pays at Hicks Beef
Benchmarking has helped bring exceptional growth to the Hicks family beef operation at Holbrook, NSW, in just eight years. See how they did it.
A look at the cattle market’s start to 2025
Farmers have faced a turbulent start to the year with floods, drought or a varied season. Find out how cattle saleyards are performing, and the price jumps between each state.
‘I think the market is holding better than it did last year’
Brothers, Sam and Will Brown from Colbinabbin, were happy with the prices they received for lambs at the Bendigo sheep and lamb sale.
Mutton soars: Prices fetch 800c/kg
Mutton prices have increased by $100, hitting up to 800c/kg carcass weight. Will it be an “aberration” or a new trend?
Livestock prices spikes in fallout from Queensland floods
Livestock prices have increased in the wake of flooding in parts of Queensland and NSW as the massive fallout for producers emerges.
Wool’s new plan for certification
Consumers want proof that wool is produced in a sustainable and animal welfare friendly way – and there’s moves to make a certification process for all Australian growers.
Yea livestock agents sell the first two pens for the April store sale.
Selling action from Yea on April 4.
Stable season for heavy lambs
The price consistency of the heavy lamb market has not really been celebrated but the industry is heading towards a 12-month run above the trend line of 800c/kg carcass weight.
‘A dent but not a crash’: Lamb producers lament US decision
Australia’s lamb industry has also been caught in US President Donald Trump’s tariff crosshairs. We break down what it could mean for lamb prices this winter.
Producers react to tariffs, beef giant closes forward contracts
It’s been a turbulent morning for Australian beef producers as a 10 per cent tariff is announced on exports to the US, and a major processor closes contracts “immediately”.
‘Whinging and moaning’: Aussie beef boss calls out tariff uproar
The head of a prominent Australian beef company has praised US policies and is calling for our government to follow suit to lower costs.
Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/livestock