A summer season of fireplace and flood has doubtless impacted sentiment and intentions in some areas, however the home cattle market has remained traditionally sturdy since November, which may even have buoyed sentiment in elements of the nation. On the time of the survey, 79% of respondents have been optimistic concerning the beef cattle business over the subsequent yr, whereas simply 3% have been destructive, with the remaining 16% impartial. This equated to 76% internet positivity, a major improve from 53% in April 2025 and 47% the earlier November. Apparently, whereas internet sentiment was increased in northern Australia on this BPIS at 79% in comparison with 76% within the south, the year-on-year improve was 7% increased in southern Australia.
The BPIS estimated the grassfed grownup beef cattle herd at 29.6 million head in November, not together with calves. The September MLA business outlook had the overall herd at 31 million head as of June 30, with projections exhibiting that herd dimension dipping marginally by 0.1% in 2026. The BPIS, nonetheless, has the herd rising, with one in each two producers planning to have extra cattle by November this yr. Of these, 49% intend to retain extra heifers than regular, whereas 24% plan to extend numbers by means of steer purchases, impacting each side of the market. Comparatively, final November 45% of producers have been seeking to improve herd numbers, with 53% doing so by means of heifer retention and 19% by means of shopping for extra steers.
On the flip aspect, 35% of producers have been more likely to lower their herds, with respondents from each the north and south citing low rainfall as the principle purpose. If these intentions play out, Australia’s cattle herd would develop this yr, rising by 3% to 30.57 million head. Producer gross sales information additionally supplies perception, with commerce cattle gross sales exhibiting the most important change for the reason that earlier November. Of the backgrounder, dealer, grower and fattener cattle readily available in November, whole and anticipated gross sales for the second half of 2025 have been 55%, with 45% anticipated within the first half of 2026. Comparatively, this cut up was 47% and 53% respectively in 2024/25.
