Australia’s cattle industry ‘in good shape’ despite challenges
MLA managing director Jason Strong said: “Drought intensified across the eastern states with the Bureau of Meteorology officially declaring 2019 as the hottest and driest year on record in Australia.
“Cattle and sheep producers were forced to de-stock, driving the national herd and flock to historical lows. The national bushfire crisis further tested the resilience of many producers.”
Australia was the largest exporter of sheepmeat and the second largest beef exporter after Brazil in 2019, accounting for nearly a quarter of total red meat traded. Red meat and livestock exports increased 16% year-on-year and 43% higher than 2013–14 levels.
China’s market share of Australian beef exports in 2019 was 27%, followed by Japan with 23% and the US with 22%.
“An increased number of consumers are seeking products that are deemed trustworthy, healthy and of a high quality,” Mr Strong said.
“While the long-term economic impact of COVID-19 will no doubt be severe, Australia’s standing as a provider of high quality red meat product, both domestically and globally, has somewhat sheltered the sector from the worst of the economic fallout.”
