Latest news with #Lukey
West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
WA sheep producers' confidence grows but many still wary about growing flocks
WA sheep farmers' confidence is improving on the back of high sheep prices, but more than half are still planning on reducing their flock size during the next 12 months. The change in sentiment was revealed in Meat and Livestock Australia's most recent Sheep Producers Intention Survey, which collected responses from more than 2370 producers across the nation in May. The survey, released by MLA and Australian Wool Innovation twice per year, marked the first time since October 2022 that all States — including WA — had reported positive or neutral sentiment. WA, which had a net sentiment of -64 in May last year, has reached neutral ground at 0 net sentiment, one year on. MLA senior marketing information analyst Erin Lukey said the 'pronounced' rebound in sentiment in WA was closely linked to rising sheep prices. 'Prices have risen significantly, particularly for finished lambs, which has buoyed confidence even as producers face tough seasonal and regulatory conditions,' she said. 'This is especially the case in WA, where the rebound in sentiment has been most pronounced. 'While producers in WA are wary of investing in flock growth amid uncertainty about future market access, others are adjusting breeding strategies or retaining more replacement ewes to adapt to changing conditions.' Despite this, the survey showed WA graziers were still planning on reducing their flock sizes, with a lack of confidence widely attributed to the Federal Government's plan to ban live sheep exports by May 2028. The survey revealed there were 10.14 million sheep in WA in 2025, including 9.04m breeding ewes and 1.10m wethers. But that figure was set to dip to 8.12m in 2026, with 7.28m breeding ewes and 840,000 wethers. The survey revealed WA's breeding ewe flock was forecast to fall by 19 per cent, with 58 per cent of producers planning to reduce their numbers during the next 12 months. Ms Lukey said WA graziers were 'wary' and 'taking a conservative approach' with their businesses, while in the Eastern States a combination of drought and flooding were making it difficult to maintain large flocks. The WA response was in line with the national response, with 41 per cent of surveyed producers planning to reduce their breeding ewe flock and 26 per cent planning to reduce their wether numbers. 'Many producers are taking a more conservative approach. 'Input costs, labour availability, and regulatory pressures, particularly the live sheep export phase-out, are weighing heavily on producers' minds.' Survey respondents found it difficult to pin-point a single off-farm external factor shaping their decision-making, instead listing five that were having an effect. These were weather conditions and the impact on feed availability, continued mention of the live sheep export ban and government decisions, input costs specifically for feed and day-to-day expenses, personal circumstances and forward planning, and the access to and cost of labour. Ms Lukey said Australian sheep producers were adapting their strategies and continued to evolve in the market's current climate. 'Whether it's retaining more replacement ewes, adjusting breeding strategies or responding to market demand, the sector continues to evolve,' she said. While farmers were feeling more positive about sheepmeat, they were feeling notably more pessimistic about the future of the wool sector — with nearly one in two producers having a 'negative outlook' for the sector. The next Sheep Producer Intentions Survey will focus on lambs and be released in October.
West Australian
29-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
ABS statistics show WA cattle farmers will help make 2025 another record-breaking year for red meat production
Farmers are beginning to see some relief from prolonged dry conditions in WA in early 2025, easing cattle turn-off and lifting average carcase weights. According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics' slaughter and production data for the first quarter of 2025 released on May 20, national production volumes are above levels from the same time last year, indicating they are on track to tip records once again. National beef production lifted to 679,000 tonnes while lamb production tipped 167,000 tonnes. In WA, beef production was 34,000 tonnes and lamb production was 16,000 tonnes. Meat and Livestock Australia senior market information analyst Erin Lukey said the relief from prolonged dry conditions in WA early in the year buoyed industry confidence. 'Producers were able to hold on to stock to make weights, resulting in lifted average carcase weights across species and reduced throughput,' she said. 'Cattle turn-off eased to 115,000 head, producing 34,000 tonnes of beef. This reduction was mainly due to improved conditions.' Ms Lukey said increased turn-off from feedlots led to a 5kg lift in average carcase weights to 293kg despite female slaughter staying relatively high. 'Lamb slaughter eased to 710,000 head, though a 2kg lift in average carcase weights to 23.2kg saw an overall lift in lamb production to 16,000 tonnes. 'This lift points to grain-fed stock but could also indicate more meat breeds being turned off across the State.' Ms Lukey said mutton slaughter, production, and carcase weights eased to 624,000 head, 16,0000 tonnes and 24.9kg. 'Due to more positive conditions coming through, producers held on to breeding stock, dropping turn-off,' she said. Rabobank's Australian beef seasonal outlook 2025 released on May 26 also indicated Australia was posed to equal, if not rival, meat production levels of 2024. Report author Angus Gidley-Baird said the high beef production volumes are being matched by growing global demand — with the relatively-balanced market expected to support stable prices and good returns for Australian beef producers. 'Successive favourable seasons – with the exception of ongoing significant dry areas in Victoria and south-east South Australia – have allowed Australian cattle numbers to build,' he said. 'The increased calving from this larger cattle inventory is now flowing into markets as finished cattle, with 2024 setting a new record (2.57 million tonnes) in Australian beef production.' Senior animal proteins analyst Mr Gidley-Baird said it was also fortunate for Australia that other major beef-producing countries are expected to see a decline in production in 2025. 'This creates demand for imports and reduces competition in Australian export markets, supporting demand for Australian beef,' he said. 'The outlook of high production balanced by growing global demand leads to the bank's expectation that Australian cattle prices will remain relatively steady through the course of 2025 with some potential upside.'
