Australia produced a record 730,077 tons of beef in the first quarter of 2026, up 8% year-on-year, marking the strongest start to a year on record for the country’s beef sector.
Cattle slaughter reached 2.30 million head, a 6% increase from the same quarter last year, supported by strong cattle availability, favorable seasonal conditions in northern regions and continued robust global demand for Australian beef.
Queensland accounted for 43% of total production, while Victoria posted a record quarterly output of 167,401 tons, up 10% year-on-year, reflecting strong export demand from North America and growing shipments to China.
Higher carcass weights, averaging 317 kg, also supported the production increase, alongside record grainfed turn-off during the quarter, reinforcing the strong supply momentum, MLA reported.
