Australia’s red meat and livestock industry strengthened its contribution to the national economy in 2025, with turnover approaching $100 billion and exports reaching a new record, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) State of the Industry Report 2026.
The report, which covers production, trade, domestic consumption, economic contribution and employment, found industry turnover rose 24.5% to $99.9 billion in 2024–25 while industry value-add increased 20.1% to $19.5 billion. The results come despite variable seasonal conditions and elevated input costs continuing to place pressure on individual farm businesses through 2025 and into 2026.
MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley said the results reflected the strength of demand for Australian red meat and the scale of the industry’s contribution to the economy, while recognising the pressures being felt across the supply chain.
“Turnover approaching $100 billion demonstrates the significant contribution Australia’s red meat and livestock industry makes to the national economy and to communities across regional Australia,” Mr Crowley said.
“At the same time, these headline figures need to be viewed in the context of the conditions producers are operating in, with many businesses continuing to manage elevated input costs, seasonal variability and pressure on margins.
“Strong livestock prices, high processing activity and continued demand from international customers supported industry performance, despite favourable conditions in much of northern Australia contrasting with more difficult conditions across parts of southern Australia.”
Through 2026, geopolitical tensions, safeguards, tariffs and supply chain disruption have also contributed to volatility in key agricultural inputs, including fuel and fertiliser, adding further cost pressure for producers and the broader supply chain.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP, said the results highlighted the importance of the industry to Australia’s economy and regional communities.
“Our Government will always back our farmers and producers to succeed, from unlocking more trade opportunities, to ensuring we continue to have support available year-round to keep our food production strong,” Minister Collins said.
“Despite challenges, our farmers continue to adapt, innovate and deliver for not only Australian communities, but for the countries that rely on our world-class products.
“The Albanese Government will continue working alongside industry to strengthen productivity, open new market opportunities, and ensure Australian agriculture remains globally competitive for generations to come.”
Australian red meat and livestock exports reached a record $28.3 billion in 2025, up 27% on 2024 and 72.6% above 2020 levels. Beef export value rose 33.3% to $18.7 billion on the back of strong international demand and tight global supply, while the United States became Australia’s largest export market for both beef and lamb by volume.
Australia remained the world’s second-largest beef exporter behind Brazil and the world’s largest exporter of both sheepmeat and goatmeat. It also exported 792,087 live cattle and 334,491 live sheep in 2025, contributing around $1.1 billion to total export value.
“Our access to more than 100 international markets gives the industry the flexibility to respond when global conditions change and continue directing Australian red meat to customers that value it most,” Mr Crowley said.
“That diversification will remain important as the industry navigates changing trade settings, geopolitical uncertainty and global supply chain disruption.”
Australians remained among the world’s largest consumers of red meat in 2025, eating approximately 21.9kg of beef per person compared with a global average of 5.9kg, and approximately 6.5kg of sheepmeat compared with a global average of 1.3kg. While per capita consumption has gradually declined over the longer term, it has remained relatively stable over the past five years.
The report found 92% of Australian households purchased beef and 72% purchased lamb in the past year, while MLA consumer research showed 24% of Australians reported increasing their red meat intake in 2025, up from 18% in 2024.
The lift in turnover reflects stronger livestock prices and processing activity across the industry, although it has come alongside continued pressure on individual businesses from higher operating and input costs.
Beef cattle farming turnover increased 40.6%, sheep farming turnover rose 17.3% and feedlot turnover increased 45.4%, while processing turnover rose 23.4% to approximately $35.8 billion. The production sector, which takes in beef cattle, sheep farming and feedlots, accounted for almost half of total industry turnover at $49.4 billion.
The industry also supported approximately 432,800 direct and indirect jobs, with around 85% of meat and livestock industry employees living in rural and regional areas.
Mr Crowley said the results demonstrated both the industry’s economic significance and the importance of maintaining its long-term competitiveness.
“Strong demand for Australian red meat provides a positive foundation, but producers and the broader supply chain continue to operate in a challenging and changing environment,” Mr Crowley said.
“Biosecurity, geopolitical tensions, market access challenges including safeguards and tariffs, global supply chain disruption and rising input costs all influence how Australian red meat competes in the years ahead.
“Continued investment in productivity, integrity systems, innovation, marketing and market access will be essential to helping businesses manage those pressures and ensuring the industry continues to create value for producers, regional communities and the broader Australian economy.”
To view the full State of the Industry Report 2026, visit mla.com.au/soti.