Ripley Atkinson, StoneX Australia Livestock Broker, explains why Australia’s beef industry is uniquely positioned among global competitors.
Key Takeaways
Australia leverages unique weather cycles to supply global markets
Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria dominate cattle production
Feedlotting has become essential for drought resilience
Australia’s Competitive Edge in Global Beef Supply
Atkinson highlights Australia’s position as the world’s second-largest beef exporter behind Brazil. Unlike its competitors in the Americas, Australia’s distinct weather patterns allow it to supply major markets such as China, South Korea, and Japan when others experience low supply. “We can supply a large amount of product usually when the Americas and the US and Brazil are at a point in their cattle cycle where they don’t have much product available.”
Cattle Population Concentration
Australia’s cattle herd is concentrated mainly in Queensland, which accounts for 52 percent of the national herd. New South Wales and Victoria make up another 30 percent, with the remaining states comprising the balance. “The concentration of both cattle production and cattle numbers themselves are really focused on those three eastern seaboard states of Queensland as the largest, New South Wales and Victoria.”
Climatic Diversity and Industry Adaptation
The vast size of Australia brings a range of climates, from cold southern winters with harsh fronts to tropical northern summers with monsoonal rain. Atkinson describes how “the diversity of Australia’s climatic conditions” challenges beef production and requires adaptation. Australia is also the driest inhabited continent, which has influenced industry practices.
The Role of Feedlotting in Modern Supply Chains
Feedlotting emerged as a drought mitigation strategy decades ago, evolving into a sophisticated and essential sector. As of March 2025, 1.5 million head of cattle are in feedlots, contributing up to 40 percent of annual beef production. Grass-fed systems remain important, making up 60 to 65 percent, due to Australia’s extensive land use. “We’ll always have a large grass fed system because of the extensive nature of the industry.”
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---- Written by Frederic Guetin, StoneX TV Producer
----Expert: Ripley Atkinson, Australian Livestock and Commodities Manager for StoneX
Meats & Livestock
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