Record cattle on feed numbers drive huge turn-off
National feedlot capacity increased by 1% on last quarter to a record 1.76 million head, supporting continued high throughput. The slightly lower September-quarter cattle-on-feed figure flowed through to December turn-off, which totalled 947,200 head, down 2% from the all-time high recorded in the September quarter, yet 21% higher than the same period in 2024. For the full 2025 calendar year, feedlot turn-off reached 3.66 million head, roughly half a million more than in 2024. With global demand for Australian grainfed beef remaining strong, feedlots were a major contributor to Australia’s record beef output in 2025.
Cattle on feed lifted by 4% to an all-time high of 1.61 million head in the December quarter, raising utilisation to 92% (well above long-term averages). The increase indicates newly constructed pens are being filled, reinforcing strong demand for grainfed cattle and grainfed beef.
State-by-state overview:
Queensland
Queensland continues to lead the national grainfed sector, holding 55% of total Australian feedlot capacity and setting a fresh record for built capacity at 976,744 head. Numbers on feed increased by 4%, surpassing 900,000 head for the first time and lifting utilisation to 94%. This new high in cattle on feed reinforces the central role of grainfed production within Australia’s broader beef supply chain.
NSW
NSW recorded strong capacity growth, lifting by approximately 2% to a record 537,351 head. Numbers on feed also reached an all-time high, rising above 500,000 head. Utilisation remained exceptionally high at 96%, the highest of any state, indicating a system operating close to its effective ceiling.
SA
SA’s capacity increased by 4% on the previous quarter, while cattle on feed rose by 6%. Utilisation strengthened to 77%, with 59,174 head on feed, an improvement that signals firmer demand for placements and growing throughput potential.
Victoria
Victoria softened for a second consecutive quarter following its June peak. Capacity fell by 4%, while numbers on feed increased by 5% to 67,108 head. As a result, utilisation rose to 83%, suggesting that despite reduced built capacity, demand for feedlot placements remained resilient.
WA
WA posted the strongest quarter-on-quarter growth in cattle on feed, up 22% to 55,277 head. Total capacity held steady at above 90,000 head, placing utilisation at 61%, the lowest among the states. This comparatively low utilisation indicates substantial headroom for expansion in placements should seasonal conditions, grain availability, and market signals remain favourable.
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