Australia's feedlot industry secured the trifecta of record feedlot capacity, record numbers on feed and record gran fed beef export volumes in the June 2026 quarter.Results from the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Feedlot Survey show feedlot capacity also rose to a record 1,794,806 head, numbers on feed reached a new record of 1,660,513 head and feedlots turned off 1,050,768 head of cattle in that time.
ALFA President Grant Garey said the results reflected the strength of global demand for Australian grain fed beef and continued investment across the feedlot sector.
“Grain fed beef allows producers to achieve the marbling, eating quality and carcase specifications premium customers expect, whether they're dining in Tokyo, Seoul or Sydney," Mr Garey said.
"Feedlots also provide a highly efficient production system, with carefully formulated rations supporting cattle performance and helping producers meet market requirements with confidence. That is why we are continuing to see record numbers on feed, ongoing investment in feedlot capacity and strong demand from global markets.
"With utilisation reaching 93% nationally and numbers on feed sitting above 1.66 million head, the sector remains well positioned to supply premium grain fed beef to customers around the world."
Queensland remained Australia's largest feedlot state, accounting for 55% of national feedlot capacity. The state's utilisation rate lifted from 94% to 98% over the quarter, with turn-off rising 3.2% to 653,734 head and numbers on feed increasing 4.5% to 973,049 head.
NSW drove most of the national capacity growth, increasing 3% to 558,601 head. While turn-off eased 3.9% to 268,112 head, numbers on feed edged higher to 503,502 head.
South Australia recorded modest growth in capacity and cattle on feed, while Victoria and Western Australia experienced lower numbers on feed and utilisation rates during the quarter.
MLA Senior Market Information Analyst Emiliano Diaz said export demand remained a key driver of feedlot performance.
"Australian grain fed beef exports reached 121,750 tonnes during the June quarter, making it the largest June quarter export volume on record and 7.7% above the same period last year," Mr Diaz said.
"Growth in demand from key markets including Japan and Korea more than offset challenges in China, highlighting the diversification and resilience of Australia's grainfed export sector."
Feedlot capacity reached a record 1,794,806 head and numbers on feed hit a record 1,660,513 head in the June 2026 quarter, according to the ALFA-MLA Feedlot Survey.
Queensland held 55% of national feedlot capacity, with utilisation lifting from 94% to 98% and turn-off rising 3.2% to 653,734 head over the quarter.
Australian grain fed beef exports hit a June quarter record of 121,750 tonnes, up 7.7% year-on-year, as demand growth from Japan and Korea offset weaker conditions in China.