Record high number of cattle on feed in Australia

Cattle numbers on feed in Australia continue to surge to record highs, now within sight of 1.6 million head based on results from the June quarterly feedlot survey, informed Beef Central.

Nationally, the June quarter results saw 1.579 million on feed, while feedlot capacity has also hit new highs, at 1.706 million head.

Also reflecting the current level of grainfed activity was feedlot utilization, where yards last quarter operated at 92.55 percent of capacity. That figure is up from 90pc the previous quarter and 86.6pc in the June quarter last year.

In terms of feeding activity broken down by days on feed, there has been a moderate decline in +300 day cattle (ie Wagyu) over the past three quarters, with increases seen since March in cattle fed 100-200 days, and to a lesser extent, 200-300 days. Domestic fed cattle (60-99 days) also declined last quarter, and continue a long-term decline evident since at least 2017.