Australia’s feedlot sector sustained its momentum through Q3 2025, with national capacity reaching record levels and quarterly turnoff nearing one million head. Despite a slight drop in cattle on feed, utilization remains high, reinforcing the feedlot’s central role in national beef production.
According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), feedlot capacity rose by 3% over the quarter to a record 1.75 million head. Turnoff reached 962,436 head—up 8% compared to the previous quarter and 12% higher year-on-year. Although cattle on feed eased to 1.52 million (-4%), utilization remained strong at 87%, well above long-term averages.
At the same time, cattle prices continued to rise. The national feeder heifer indicator averaged A$ 407¢/kg liveweight (+21%), while the feeder steer indicator rose 18% to A$ 454¢/kg liveweight. These are the highest levels since 2022. However, rising cattle prices are squeezing feedlot margins, despite a 4% drop in grain costs.
