Top 10 red meat trends for 2025

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has released its Top 10 trends of 2025 report - with productivity gains, global demand and weather shifts dominating the list.

The analysis shows Australia is on track to achieve record beef production of 20.79 million tonnes in 2025, produced from fewer cattle than previous peaks, highlighting long-term efficiency gains across genetics, feeding systems and on-farm productivity

According to MLA’s Senior Market Information Analyst, Emiliano Diaz, the results underline the strength of Australia’s red meat supply chain in a challenging global environment.

“What we’re seeing in 2025 is a highly efficient, market-responsive industry that continues to add value from fewer animals,” Mr Diaz said.

“Larger average carcase weights and better productivity are allowing Australia to deliver record volumes of high-quality beef to global markets, even amid significant trade and weather volatility.”

The report also highlights international trade uncertainty as a defining backdrop for 2025, with US tariffs, shifting global trade flows and increased South American competition. However, Australia’s trade diversification and reputation for safety, reliability and quality continue to underpin demand and support prices.

“Global supply shortages, particularly in the US, are reshaping protein trade flows,” Mr Diaz said.

“Australia is well placed to capitalise on this environment, not only through strong access into key markets like Japan and Korea, but also through growing demand for lamb and goat meat in a broader range of destinations.”

Across the sheep sector, lamb prices reached record highs in 2025, despite production remaining relatively robust, while structural changes in flock composition continue as producers prioritise meat breeds over wool.

The report also identifies record goat production, with slaughter numbers likely to surpass last year’s high, supported by growing demand from markets including South Korea, China and Canada.

“The diversification of export markets for goat meat is particularly significant,” Mr Diaz said.

“It reduces reliance on a single destination and reflects growing global recognition of Australia’s capability to supply consistent, high-quality product.”

Weather patterns remain a critical influence, with favourable conditions in northern Australia supporting herd rebuilding, while drought conditions in southern regions continue to shape supply and pricing dynamics.

“Producers have shown remarkable adaptability in responding to highly variable seasonal conditions,” Mr Diaz said.

“That flexibility, combined with ongoing investment across the supply chain, is key to maintaining competitiveness into the future.”