Cattle numbers decline
According to the latest survey conducted by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), continuing unfavourable market conditions have led to a further 14% reduction in Australia’s cattle numbers on feed since the previous quarter.
Commenting on the negative trend ALFA president, Malcolm Foster said “The collective impacts of high grain prices, strong feeder cattle prices and a persistently high Australian dollar were continuing to ensure lot feeder margins were low or non-existent”.
Manager for Market Information and Analysis at Meat & Livestock Australia, Peter Weeks added: “Grain fed beef exports to Japan and Korea declined 18% and 10% in the December quarter compared to the same quarter in 2006, while exports to the US declined by 45% during the December quarter alone”.
