Matt Dalgleish
How has fuel price volatility affected cattle markets in 2026?
Since disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz began in late February 2026, global diesel prices have been highly volatile, increasing costs for...
There was a very slight increase to cattle on feed numbers over the September quarter in 2023, according to the ALFA feedlot report. Cattle on feed lift by just 0.1% to the second highest volumes on record at 1,258,377 head.
Meanwhile national feedlot capacity increased by 1.4% over the quarter to 1,576,858 head, pushing the feedlot utilisation ratio from 81% during the June quarter to 80% presently.
The seasonal pattern for COF volumes highlights the steady nature of the industry currently with feedlot numbers holding steady. Compared to the five-year average levels for the September quarter the current COF numbers are running nearly 16% above the September average. Assisting the steady cattle volumes in feedlots presently was the reduced marketing over the September quarter.
Feedlot turnoff over the September 2023 quarter declined by 10.2% from the levels marketed in June to see just 618,017 head of cattle turned off. Compared to September quarter 2022 turnoff volumes are down by 13.4% this season and 14.4% lower than the average September turnoff based on the last five years.
Restockers haven’t hit the button yet
The rain was forecast, and then it fell, and cattle supply has tightened significantly. There are always a couple of waves of supply issues with big...
Brazil beefs up exports but US still looking for more
Jamie-Lee Oldfield: Oct 23, 2026
Quotas and subsequent tariffs continue to play a significant role in the global beef trade as we close in on the new calendar year orders kicking in....