Live Cattle increased 15.12 USd/Lbs or 7.89% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Live Cattle - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

Feeder Cattle increased 23.60 USd/Lbs or 8.96% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Feeder Cattle - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

Argentina Average Live Cattle Price: Cow data was reported at 1,455.485 ARS/kg in Jan 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,537.970 ARS/kg for Dec 2024. Argentina Average Live Cattle Price: Cow data is updated monthly, averaging 3.657 ARS/kg from Jun 1995 (Median) to Jan 2025, with 356 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,564.695 ARS/kg in Nov 2024 and a record low of 0.412 ARS/kg in Jun 1996. Argentina Average Live Cattle Price: Cow data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Liniers Cattle Market. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Argentina – Table AR.P005: Liniers Cattle Market Prices.

The primary function of the Livestock and Grain Market News Division of the Livestock and Seed Program (LSP) is to compile and disseminate information that will aid producers, consumers, and distributors in the sale and purchase of livestock, meat, grain, and their related products nationally and internationally.

Value per head of livestock at July 1, Canada and provinces (in dollars). Data are available on an annual basis.

This table contains 8 series, with data for years 1930 - 1990 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years), and is no longer being released. This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (4 items: Montreal;Toronto;Winnipeg;Calgary); Type of livestock (4 items: Slaughter steers, good;Slaughter cows, good;Feeder steers, good;Calves veal, good and choice).

Overview This report presents and discusses cost of production estimates for beef cattle and sheep producers for the three years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15. The report draws on data from the …Show full descriptionOverview This report presents and discusses cost of production estimates for beef cattle and sheep producers for the three years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15. The report draws on data from the ABARES annual Australian Agricultural and Grazing Industries Survey (AAGIS). This survey has been conducted by ABARES and its predecessors since 1977-78 and provides government and industry stakeholders with important data for analysing and monitoring changes in Australia's broadacre industries. Meat & Livestock Australia commissioned and funded this report. Key Issues • The on-farm cost of beef production on a per kilogram live weight basis increased between 2012-13 and 2014-15, as producers increased farm expenditure in 2014-15 in response to the much higher prices received for beef cattle. Between 2008-09 and 2012-13, producers pared back expenditure on beef inputs to a minimum in response to low beef cattle prices in an attempt to maintain operating margins (receipts per kilogram less costs of production). • The largest increase in production costs occurred in northern Australia, where many beef producers were also subject to dry seasonal conditions in 2013-14 and 2014-15. This resulted in increased expenditure on fodder and freight. Overall, the total cost of production increased between 2012-13 and 2014-15 by 33 cents per kilogram live weight in northern Australia and by 25 cents in southern Australia. • Total costs of production averaged over the three years ending 2014-15 were similar in southern and northern Australia, at 174 cents per kilogram live weight in southern Australia and 175 cents in northern Australia. Northern Australia includes Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley, Pilbara and Murchison-Gascoyne regions of Western Australia. All other regions are included in southern Australia. • Higher beef cattle prices in 2014-15 resulted in operating margins increasing relative to the very low margins recorded in 2013-14. However, expenditure on farm inputs increased, so operating margins were similar to those recorded in 2012-13. • The average on-farm cost of sheep production on a per kilogram live weight basis remained largely unchanged between 2012-13 and 2014-15. • The average cost of production for beef cattle and sheep producers for the period 2012-13 to 2014-15 decreased as production size increased, which indicates that significant economies of size exist in beef and sheep meat production. These economies of size would be an incentive to expand beef and sheep meat production to enhance profitability. • Economies of size for sheep producers appear to result mainly from larger sheep enterprises using farm capital and labour more efficiently. However, for beef producers, cash operating costs for larger herd size producers were lower than those for smaller producers and they used farm capital and labour more efficiently.

Beef decreased 4.45 BRL/15Kg or 1.40% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Beef - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

Overview The March edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES' latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities to 2021-22. The outlook will be an important focal point at the …Show full descriptionOverview The March edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES' latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities to 2021-22. The outlook will be an important focal point at the conference and underpin many presentations delivered by ABARES speakers at the conference. The report provides updated commodity forecasts, as well as articles on the EU sheep meat industry; farm performance of broadacre and dairy farms; productivity in Australia's broadacre and dairy industries; and disaggregating farm performance by size. Key Issues Commodity forecasts • The gross value of farm production is forecast to increase by 8.3 per cent to a record $63.8 billion in 2016-17 before easing by 3.9 per cent to a forecast $61.3 billion in 2017-18. Despite the forecast decline, the gross value of farm production in 2017-18 would be 17.3 per cent higher than the average of $52.3 billion over the five years to 2015-16 in nominal terms. • The gross value of livestock production is forecast to increase by around 4.4 per cent to $31.2 billion in 2017-18, following a forecast decrease of 2.6 per cent in 2016-17. If this forecast is realised, the gross value of livestock production in 2017-18 would be around 28 per cent higher than the average of $24.4 billion over the five years to 2015-16 in nominal terms. • The gross value of crop production is forecast to decrease by 11.3 per cent to $30 billion in 2017-18, after a forecast increase of 20.2 per cent in 2016-17. The decrease follows record production of wheat and barley in 2016-17, which resulted from favourable seasonal conditions during winter and spring. If this forecast is realised, the gross value of crop production in 2017-18 would be around 8 per cent higher than the average of $27.9 billion over the five years to 2015-16 in nominal terms. • In 2021-22 the gross value of farm production is projected to be around $59.6 billion (in 2016-17 dollars), 8.6 per cent higher than the average of $54.9 billion over the five years to 2015-16 (also in 2016-17 dollars). In 2021-22 the gross value of crop production is projected to be around $29.0 billion and the gross value of livestock production is projected to be around $30.6 billion (in 2016-17 dollars). • Export earnings from farm commodities are forecast to be around $48.7 billion in 2017-18, higher than the forecast $47.7 billion in 2016-17. • The agricultural commodities for which export earnings are forecast to rise in 2017-18 are beef and veal (up 1 per cent), wool (10 per cent), dairy products (11 per cent), sugar (10 per cent), cotton (35 per cent), wine (5 per cent), lamb (3 per cent), live feeder/slaughter cattle (4 per cent), rock lobster (6 per cent) and mutton (1 per cent). • Forecast increases in 2017-18 are expected to be partly offset by expected declines in export earnings for wheat (down 9 per cent), coarse grains (11 per cent), canola (6 per cent) and chickpeas (42 per cent). • In Australian dollar terms, export prices of wool, dairy products, sugar, wine, lamb, barley, canola, rock lobster and mutton are forecast to increase in 2017-18. Export prices for cotton and chickpeas are forecast to fall. Prices for beef and veal, wheat and live feeder/slaughter cattle are forecast to remain around the same as in 2016-17. • In 2021-22 the value of farm exports is projected to be around $46.6 billion (in 2016-17 dollars), 8 per cent higher than the average of $43.1 billion over the five years to 2015-16 in real terms. • The value of crop exports is projected to be $24.9 billion (in 2016-17 dollars) in 2021-22, 7 per cent higher than the average of $23.2 billion over the five years to 2015-16 in real terms. The value of livestock exports is projected to be $21.8 billion (in 2016-17 dollars) in 2021-22, 10 per cent higher than the average of $19.8 billion over the five years to 2015-16 in real terms. • Export earnings for fisheries products are forecast to increase by 2.3 per cent in 2017-18 to $1.5 billion, after decreasing by a forecast 3.4 per cent in 2016-17. Economic assumptions underlying this set of commodity forecasts In preparing this set of agricultural commodity forecasts: • World economic growth is assumed to be 3.3 per cent in 2017 and 3.4 per cent in 2018. Growth is expected to rise further to around 3.5 per cent in 2019 before declining to 3.4 per cent in 2021 and 3.3 per cent in 2022. • Economic growth in Australia is assumed to average 2.8 per cent in 2017-18. Over the medium term to 2021-22, economic growth is assumed to average around 3 per cent. • The Australian dollar is assumed to average US73 cents in 2017-18, slightly lower than the forecast average of US75 cents in 2016-17. It is assumed to appreciate slightly over the medium term, reaching US74 cents towards 2021-22. Articles on agricultural issues The EU sheep meat industry • The European Union is one of the world's largest consumers of sheep meat. Imports are controlled by import quotas and prohibitive out-of-quota tariffs. • Australia is the second largest exporter to the European Union, behind New Zealand, although its allocated quota is just 8 per cent that of New Zealand's. • As a high value market for sheep meat, expanding sheep meat exports to the European Union would benefit the Australian industry. However, until the trade outcomes of Brexit are known, opportunities for Australian sheep meat exporters are uncertain. Farm performance: broadacre and dairy farms, 2014-15 to 2016-17 • In 2016-17 farm cash income for Australian broadacre farms is projected to average $216,000 a farm, the highest recorded in the past 20 years. • Record broadacre farm cash incomes this year are the result of near record winter grain production in most regions and good prices for beef cattle, sheep, lamb and wool. • Average farm cash income is projected to increase for broadacre farms in all states except Tasmania in 2016-17. • Farm cash income for dairy farms is projected to decline by 17 per cent nationally to an average of $105,000 a farm in 2016-17, reflecting lower average farmgate milk prices and reduced milk production. Productivity in Australia's broadacre and dairy industries • From 1977-78 to 2014-15, productivity in the broadacre industries averaged 1.1 per cent a year as a result of declining input use (down 1 per cent a year) and modest output growth (up 0.1 per cent a year). • In the dairy industry, productivity growth averaged 1.5 per cent a year between 1978-79 and 2014-15. This reflected average annual growth of 1.3 per cent in output and an average annual decline of 0.2 per cent in input use. Disaggregating farm performance by size • The largest 10 per cent of broadacre farms produced 46 per cent of total output, while the smallest 50 per cent of farms produced 12 per cent of total output. • The average rate of return, including capital appreciation, generated by the largest 10 per cent of broadacre farms was 8.2 per cent, while the smallest 10 per cent generated average returns of -2.8 per cent. • The largest 10 per cent of broadacre farms had the lowest average equity ratio of all farms (79 per cent), while the smallest 10 per cent of farms had the highest average equity ratio (97 per cent).

The primary function of the Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Division of the Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program is to compile and disseminate information that will aid producers, consumers, and distributors in the sale and purchase of livestock and grain and their related products nationally and internationally.

Grain-sheep and grain-beef cattle farmers' performance has been volatile over the past five years, as fluctuations in annual rainfall have significantly influenced output. Diplomatic tensions with China over the past three years have also led to various trade barriers being imposed on a variety of agricultural products, including barley and beef. Industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualised 0.5% over the five years through 2024-25, reaching $15.6 billion. This moderate increase follows a significant revenue dip in 2023-24 resulting from collapsing prices for sheep, lambs and beef cattle, alongside falling grain prices with the exception of oats. A recovery of 9.7% anticipated in 2024-25 underpins the slight revenue growth over the five-year period. Fluctuating rainfall has contributed to volatile grain production over the past few years. Rainfall has heavily influenced livestock production and sales because of its effect on pasture feed quality and the price of manufactured feed. La Nina weather conditions brought wetter, cooler weather across much of the country from 2020 to mid-2023. This caused pasture feed quality to improve and reduced industry farmers' reliance on purchased feed. Improving conditions allowed farmers to begin rebuilding their herds and flocks, leading to an increase in saleyard livestock prices. Higher rainfall also bolstered grain output, causing revenue to rise. As conditions have become drier, cattle prices have begun to lower and plummeted in 2023-24, negatively affecting revenue and profit across industry farms. Farmers will continue to be at the mercy of weather patterns. Extreme weather has the potential to negatively affect grain-sheep and grain-beef farmers. Additionally, farmers will have restricted access to water from the Murray-Darling Basin due to policies that limit water extraction. These restrictions could create production difficulties for farmers located in the region. Revenue is projected to rise, although with heavy volatility over the coming years, as wheat, coarse grain and beef cattle prices recover. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 1.7% through the end of 2029-30, to $17.0 billion.

Overview This report presents the detailed financial performance of beef cattle producing farms in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, and discusses incomes, investment, farm debt, and costs of beef …Show full descriptionOverview This report presents the detailed financial performance of beef cattle producing farms in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, and discusses incomes, investment, farm debt, and costs of beef production in a historical context. The report draws on data from the ABARES annual Australian Agricultural and Grazing Industries Survey (AAGIS). The report was commissioned by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) This report is a collation of chapters that have been previously published online. Farm financial performance (published 18 May 2017) This chapter presents estimates of the incomes, profits, costs and rates of return for beef farms. Key Issues Average farm cash income of Australian beef farms is projected to increase by around 10 per cent in 2016-17 to $204,000 per farm. Farm cash income in 2016-17 is projected to be the highest in over 20 years, an estimated 108 per cent higher than the average between 2000-01 and 2015-16 (in real terms*). The expected increase in incomes is a result of higher beef cattle prices. Note: real dollar values are adjusted to remove the effect of inflation. Farm debt and equity (published 12 July 2017) This chapter presents estimates of the debt, equity, and debt-servicing capacity for beef farms. Key Issues Average farm debt of Australian beef farms is estimated to have increased by around 9 per cent to $497,000 in 2015-16 (in 2016-17 dollars). Average farm debt for beef farms is projected to decrease slightly in 2016-17. The average equity ratio of beef farms has remained steady at around 90 per cent from 2000-01 to 2015-16. The proportion of farm receipts needed to fund interest payments is projected to be around 6 per cent in 2016-17. Farm capital and investment (published 8 August 2017) This chapter presents estimates of farm capital and farm investment for beef farms. Key Issues The total value of capital for Australian beef farms increased by around 55 per cent in real terms from 2000-01 to 2015-16. On a per farm basis, total capital increased by 98 per cent to an estimated $5.4 million per farm in 2015-16. The average value of land and fixed improvements per hectare for beef farms increased by 105 per cent from 2000-01 to 2015-16, with an average annual return on land appreciation of 5.2 per cent. Physical characteristics (published 9 November 2017) This chapter presents estimates of physical characteristics for beef farms. Key Issues From 2000-01 to 2015-16 the total number of Australian beef farms fell by 22 per cent. Most of the decline was in the Southern region with the number of beef farms in the Northern region remaining relatively unchanged. Over the period, the total number of beef cattle in the Northern region increased while the number of cattle in the Southern region remained relatively steady. Cost of production (published 28 September 2017) This chapter presents and discusses cost of production estimates for beef farms. Key Issues Over the three years to 2015-16 the average total cost of beef production was similar in northern and southern Australia, at 193 cents per kilogram live weight in northern Australia and 199 cents in southern Australia. The on-farm per kilogram live weight cost of beef production increased between 2013-14 and 2015-16. Higher beef cattle prices in 2014-15 and 2015-16 resulted in operating margins increasing relative to the very low margins recorded in 2013-14. Total costs of production per kilogram in southern and northern Australia declined as herd size increased. Small beef farms (with less than 400 beef cattle) generally covered their cash operating costs. However, most did not cover capital depreciation or the value of unpaid owner-manager, partner and family labour. Average on-farm per kilogram live weight cost of beef production declined over the three years to 2016–17.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Other Animal Food Manufacturing: Complete Beef Cattle Feed, Supplements, Concentrates, and Premixes (PCU311119311119H) from Dec 2011 to Feb 2025 about supplements, animals, cattle, livestock, meat, food, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Overview The December edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES' latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities in 2015-16, and updates the outlook ABARES released in …Show full descriptionOverview The December edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES' latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities in 2015-16, and updates the outlook ABARES released in September 2015. In addition to commodity forecasts, this publication includes two boxes: • seasonal conditions in Australia • farm cash income of broadacre farms and one article: • key agricultural outcomes of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. Farmer/stakeholder implications The Agricultural commodities report provides high quality and timely information that supports higher farm gate returns through informed decision making by primary producers. Key Issues Commodity forecasts • The gross value of farm production is forecast to increase by 8 per cent in 2015-16 to around $57.6 billion, following an estimated increase of 4 per cent to $53.5 billion in 2014-15. At this forecast level, the gross value of farm production in 2015-16 would be around 17 per cent higher than the average of $49.4 billion over the five years to 2014-15 in nominal terms. • The gross value of livestock production is forecast to increase by around 13 per cent in 2015-16 to $30.0 billion following an estimated increase of 16 per cent in 2014-15. The forecast increase in 2015-16 mainly reflects expected increases in the farmgate prices for beef cattle, lamb, sheep and wool. • The forecast increases in farmgate prices are expected to more than offset a forecast decline of 5 per cent in the volume index of livestock production in 2015-16. This mainly reflects an assumption of more favourable seasonal conditions in the latter half of 2015-16 leading to reduced slaughter as a result of herd and flock rebuilding. • The gross value of crop production is forecast to increase by 2 per cent in 2015-16 to $27.6 billion alongside an expected increase of 2 per cent in the volume index of crop production. This mainly reflects increases in horticultural production offsetting the falling world prices of grains and oilseeds. • Export earnings from farm commodities are forecast to be around $44.0 billion in 2015-16, following a rise of 6 per cent to an estimated $43.6 billion in 2014-15. At this level, export earnings from farm commodities in 2015-16 would be around 15 per cent higher than the average of $38.2 billion over the five years to 2014-15 in nominal terms. • Agricultural commodities for which export earnings are forecast to rise in 2015-16 include: wheat (up 3 per cent to $5.7 billion), wool (9 per cent to $3.5 billion), wine (3 per cent to $2.1 billion), lamb (1 per cent to $1.7 billion), sugar (8 per cent to $1.4 billion), live feeder/slaughter cattle (16 per cent to $1.3 billion) and chickpeas (56 per cent to $0.6 billion). • These forecast increases are expected to be largely offset by forecast falls in export earnings from beef and veal (down 3 per cent to $8.6 billion), dairy (6 per cent to $2.3 billion), coarse grains (14 per cent to $2.3 billion), canola (8 per cent to $1.2 billion), cotton (21 per cent to $1.2 billion) and mutton (2 per cent to $0.8 billion). • Export earnings from fisheries products are forecast to increase by 17 per cent to around $1.7 billion in 2015-16, after increasing by an estimated 10 per cent to $1.4 billion in 2014-15. • The index of unit export returns for Australian farm exports is forecast to rise by 7 per cent in 2015-16, following an estimated rise of 6 per cent in 2014-15. The forecast increase in 2015-16 mainly reflects the effect of the assumed lower value of the Australian dollar, especially against the US dollar. • In Australian dollar terms, export prices of beef and veal, wool, wine, lamb, live feeder/slaughter cattle, rock lobster, mutton and chickpeas are forecast to increase in 2015-16. In contrast, export prices of wheat, barley, sugar and dairy products are forecast to decline. Economic assumptions underlying this set of commodity forecasts • World economic growth is assumed to be 3.1 per cent in 2015 and 3.4 per cent in 2016. • Economic growth in Australia is assumed to average 2.5 per cent in 2015-16, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2014-15. • The Australian dollar is assumed to average around US72 cents in 2015-16, 14 per cent lower than the average of US84 cents in 2014-15.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Hides, Skins, Leather, and Related Products: Hides and Skins, Including Cattle (WPU041) from Jan 1926 to Feb 2025 about skin, cattle, leather, livestock, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Overview
The September edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities in 2018-19, which updates the outlook released in June 2018.

Key Issues • In 2018-19 the value of farm production is forecast to be relatively unchanged at $60 billion. • Dry conditions are affecting agricultural production in eastern Australia, but strong forecast production in Western Australia, rising grain prices, high livestock prices and a lower Australian dollar are providing support to farm incomes. • Export prices are forecast to increase by around 3% in 2018-19, driven by a decline in the global supply of grains and strong demand for meat products. • Downside risks to Australian agriculture include uncertainty around the duration of the drought in impacted areas, the timing and amount of rain in other regions, and possible disruption to world agricultural markets stemming from protectionist trade measures. Commodity production forecasts
• The value of crop production is forecast to decrease by 3 per cent to $30 billion in 2018-19. ◦ The decline is expected to be driven by a forecast decline in area planted in the eastern states. Drought conditions across eastern Australia restricted planting opportunities for crops, such as barley, canola and wheat. ◦ Higher forecast prices for canola, coarse grains, cotton and wheat are expected to mitigate the impact of lower crop volumes on the value of production. ◦ Wine grape and sugar production are forecast to rise as producing areas have been less affected by drought. The value of sugar production is nevertheless forecast to decline due to weak international prices. ◦ Horticultural production has increased following a warm winter, boosting production of a range of fruits and vegetables

• The value of livestock production is forecast to increase by 2 per cent to $30 billion in 2018-19. ◦ Drought in the eastern states has increased cattle and sheep turn-off, lifting meat production and leading to a forecast reduction in herd size. ◦ Dairy production is forecast to increase, as processors continue to offer relatively high milk prices. However, the production response is likely to be dampened by increasing feed and fodder costs. ◦ Wool production is forecast to be lower, constrained by lower flock numbers and poor grazing conditions.

Commodity export forecasts
• Export earnings for farm commodities are forecast to be $47 billion in 2018-19, down 5 per cent from $49 billion in 2017-18 • The decline in export earnings is largely due to lower exportable supplies of canola, coarse grains, pulses and wheat and increased domestic demand for grain. Agricultural export prices, measured by the index of unit export returns, are forecast to increase by 3% in 2018-19. ◦ Export earnings are forecast to decline in 2018-19 for canola (down 39 per cent), coarse grains (24 per cent), wheat (10 per cent), sugar (9 per cent), wool (2 per cent) and wine (1 per cent). Export earnings for beef and veal and live feeder/slaughter cattle are unchanged.

• Export earnings are forecast to be supported by strong demand from Asia and advanced economies for Australian livestock and livestock products. Higher prices for wheat, coarse grains and cotton are also expected to support earnings. ◦ In 2018-19 export earnings are forecast to rise for lamb (up 17 per cent), rice (14 per cent), mutton (13 per cent), cotton (9 per cent), cheese (6 per cent) and rock lobster (3 per cent).

• Export earnings for fisheries products are forecast to increase by 2 per cent in 2018-19 to $1.6 billion, after increasing by an estimated 10 per cent in 2017-18.

Assumptions underlying this set of commodity forecasts

Forecasts of commodity production and exports are based on global and domestic demand and supply assumptions.

• On the demand side, stronger world economic growth will translate to higher per person incomes in most of Australia's export markets, supporting stronger demand. ◦ World economic growth is assumed to be 3.9 per cent in 2018 and 2019. ◦ Economic growth in Australia is assumed to be 3.0 per cent in 2018-19. ◦ The Australian dollar is assumed to average US74 cents in 2018-19, lower than the assumed average of US78 cents in 2017-18.

• On the supply side, Australian agricultural production prospects are assumed to be below average. ◦ Dry conditions are forecast to have significant implications for crop yields and livestock production cycles in the eastern states.

Uncertainties that could affect agricultural commodity production and export growth include supply shocks in Australia or international markets (such as natural disasters, drought and disease outbreaks) or unexpected economic events that affect trade and economic growth.

Boxes on agricultural issues

Evolving EU biodiesel policies

• Proposed changes to the EU renewable fuels policy could increase demand for Australia's canola exports in the short to medium term. • Since 2010-11 the European Union has been the largest export market for Australian canola. Most canola is imported to produce renewable transport fuel.

Overview The March edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES' latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities to 2022-23. The report provides commodity production and export …Show full descriptionOverview The March edition of Agricultural commodities contains ABARES' latest outlook for Australia's key agricultural commodities to 2022-23. The report provides commodity production and export forecasts. It also includes articles and boxes that cover: Farm performance - broadacre and dairy farms; Australia's competitiveness in the fresh produce export market; Changes to China's grain policy; The Peru FTA; Market diversity of Australian wine exports; and, Trends in Australian cotton and horticulture production. Key Issues Commodity production forecasts • The gross value of farm production is forecast to decline by 5 per cent to $59 billion in 2017-18, reflecting an assumed return to average seasonal conditions, before increasing by 3 per cent to $61 billion in 2018-19. ◦ The gross value of farm production nevertheless remains high. If realised, the forecast value of farm production in 2018-19 would be around 11 per cent higher than the average of $55 billion over the five years to 2016-17. ◦ The gross value of farm production is forecast to grow steadily over the outlook period to around $63 billion by 2022-23 (in 2017-18 dollars). Strong demand for livestock and some horticultural products, and improved productivity in cropping, are expected to support growth. • The gross value of livestock production is forecast to increase by around 3 per cent to $29.6 billion in 2018-19, following a forecast increase of 2 per cent in 2017-18. ◦ The value of lamb, wool and dairy production is forecast to contribute strongly to growth in the value of livestock production in 2018-19 (as in 2017-18), driven by strong export demand (particularly from China). ◦ The value of beef and veal production is forecast to fall slightly, as a decline in export prices offsets an increase in the volume of beef produced. Despite the fall in price, returns are well above the historical average and supportive of farm profitability. • The gross value of crop production is forecast to increase by 3 per cent to $31 billion in 2018-19, after a forecast decline of 11 per cent in 2017-18. ◦ The decline in 2017-18 follows record production of wheat, barley and canola in 2016-17 due to very favourable seasonal conditions during winter and spring. ◦ In 2018-19 the value of wheat, coarse grains and canola production is forecast to underpin growth in the value of total crop production. Wheat yields are assumed to improve (and to be around trend) following the frosts, above average temperatures and dry conditions during the winter of 2017. Area planted to coarse grains is forecast to increase due to strong global demand for feed and rotational constraints to planting pulses. Canola production is expected to increase as prices become comparatively favourable to the low coarse grain and falling pulse prices. Commodity export forecasts • Export earnings from farm commodities are forecast to be $48.5 billion in 2018-19, slightly higher than the forecast $47 billion in 2017-18. • Export earnings for fisheries products are forecast to increase by 1 per cent in 2018-19 to $1.5 billion, after increasing by a forecast 5 per cent in 2017-18. • In 2018-19 export earnings are forecast to rise for canola (22 per cent), cotton (17 per cent), barley (12 per cent), lamb (9 per cent), wool (7 per cent), wheat (6 per cent), rock lobster (4 per cent) and live feeder/slaughter cattle (1 per cent). ◦ Forecast higher prices are a strong contributor to growth in export earnings. In Australian dollar terms, export prices of cotton (11 per cent), wheat (9 per cent), wool (4 per cent), barley (4 per cent), mutton (4 per cent), rock lobster (3 per cent), lamb (2 per cent) and cheese (1 per cent) are forecast to increase in 2018-19. • Export earnings are forecast to decline in 2018-19 for chickpeas (54 per cent), sugar (11 per cent) and wine (2 per cent). Export earnings for beef and veal, cheese and mutton are forecast to be unchanged. ◦ The decline in export earnings for these commodities is driven by a fall in export prices. Prices for chickpeas (27 per cent), sugar (11 per cent) and wine (2 per cent) are forecast to fall due to increasing global supply and competition. Prices for beef and veal (3 per cent), live feeder/slaughter cattle (3 per cent) and canola (1 per cent) are also forecast to decline. • In 2022-23 the value of farm exports is projected to be around $49.6 billion (in 2017-18 dollars), 8 per cent higher than the average of $46 billion over the five years to 2016-17 in real terms. ◦ The value of crop exports is projected to be $25.2 billion in 2022-23 (in 2017-18 dollars), 2.4 per cent higher than the average of $24.6 billion over the five years to 2016-17 in real terms. The value of livestock exports is projected to be $24.4 billion in 2022-23 (in 2017-18 dollars), 15 per cent higher than the average of $21 billion over the five years to 2016-17 in real terms. Assumptions underlying this set of commodity forecasts Forecasts of commodity production and exports are based on global and domestic demand and supply assumptions. • On the demand side, stronger world economic growth will translate to higher per person incomes in most of Australia's export markets, supporting stronger demand. ◦ World economic growth is assumed to be 3.7 per cent in 2018 and 2019. From 2020 to 2023 economic growth is assumed to average 3.6 per cent. ◦ Economic growth in Australia is assumed to be 3 per cent in 2018-19 and over the medium term to 2022-23. ◦ The Australian dollar is assumed to average US76 cents in 2018-19, slightly lower than the forecast average of US78 cents in 2017-18. It is assumed to depreciate further to US74 cents in 2019-20 and remain at that level over the outlook period. • On the supply side, agricultural production is assumed to be consistent with average seasonal conditions in Australia and globally. ◦ Seasonal conditions have significant implications for crop yields and livestock production cycles.

Farm product prices, crops and livestock, by province (in dollars per metric tonne unless otherwise noted). Data are available on a monthly basis.

New Zealand Producer Price Index: Weights: Output: Livestock and Grain Farming data was reported at 1.700 % in 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 1.700 % for 2023. New Zealand Producer Price Index: Weights: Output: Livestock and Grain Farming data is updated yearly, averaging 1.900 % from Mar 2015 (Median) to 2024, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.300 % in 2015 and a record low of 1.700 % in 2024. New Zealand Producer Price Index: Weights: Output: Livestock and Grain Farming data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Stats NZ. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I015: Producer Price Index: Weights.

CONTEXT: The southwestern United States is experiencing an increasingly warmer and drier climate that is affecting cattle production systems of the region. Adaptation strategies are needed that will not compromise environmental quality or profitability. Options include the use of desert-adapted beef cattle biotypes, such as Rarámuri Criollo cattle, and crossbreds of Criollo with more traditional British breeds. Currently, most calves raised in the Southwest are grain finished, often with irrigated crops produced in the hydrologically-threatened Ogallala Aquifer region. A viable alternative may be grass finishing with the rainfed forage of the arid and semi-arid rangeland of the Southwest or in the temperate grasslands of the Northern Plains.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the environmental impacts and production costs of
grain-finishing in Texas and grass-finishing in the Northern plains
and the Southwest with traditional Angus cattle vs. Criollo and
Criollo x Angus cattle.


METHODS: Nine supply chain strategies were simulated using the
Integrated Farm System Model to compare farm-gate life cycle
intensities of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint), fossil
energy footprint, nitrogen footprint, blue water footprint and
production costs using representative (appropriate soils, climate,
and management) ranch and feedlot operations.


RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: For both finishing options (grass, grain),
Criollo x Angus cattle had the best environmental (3%-27% lower),
and production cost (4-23% lower) outcomes followed by pure Criollo
and then Angus cattle. Crossbred production combined the lower feed
supplementation requirements of Criollo cows with heavier final
carcasses of offspring from Angus genetics. Crossbred cattle with
grass finishing in the Southwest or Northern Plains outperformed on
most environmental variables as well as production costs, mostly due
to reduced external input requirements (primarily feed). A downside
for grass-finished crossbreds was greater carbon footprint (27-42%
higher) compared to grain finishing due to greater methane emissions
from high forage diets and an extended time to finish. On grasslands
where soil C sequestration can be supported, that land-based
sequestration may offset the greater greenhouse gas emission from
enteric methane of grass-finished beef. Grass finishing in the
Northern Plains may provide a more reliable meat supply chain than
grass finishing in the Southwest due to the lower risk and less
severe consequences of drought.


SIGNIFICANCE: Alternative beef supply chain options using Rarámuri
Criollo cattle were found to be sustainable production systems that
can be adopted by ranchers in the southwestern United States to
adapt to the changing climate.