MLA’s Australian cattle 2012 projections, and MLA gets involved in Foodservice Expo
Australia’s Meat and Livestock Association’s (MLA) cattle industry projections for 2012, released on 23 January 2012, provide a comprehensive outlook on the Australian cattle industry, including national herd, cattle and beef supply, and export numbers.
Projections for 2012:
- Continued strong demand from a diverse range of global markets combined with favourable seasons will drive an expansion in Australian meat production and exports
- Australian beef and veal production is forecast to reach a record of 2.197 million tones cwt, up 2.2%, as good seasons result in heavier than average carcass weights
- cattle numbers are expected to increase, however supply will remain tight compared to the herd-liquidating drought years of the past decade
- global demand for beef is expected to strengthen – particularly in Asia, South America and the Middle East – with global beef prices already currently at historically high levels
- Australian beef exports are expected to increase, due to expansion to Russia, the Middle East and most south Asian markets
- traditional export markets will continue to be challenging – with the exception of the US market which is forecasted to improve, as high prices attract additional product, reversing almost ten years of falling Australian shipments
- Outlook for live cattle trade from Australia continues to be dominated by prospects to Indonesia, believed will decrease by 16%.
Foodservice Australia Expo highlighting MLA role:
At the upcoming Foodservice Australia Expo, taking place from 27-29 May, 2012, at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, Sydney, the MLA is a key sponsor and will be sponsoring the Chef of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and the new bakery association Best Pie competition.
At this Expo, the MLA will also be showcasing the latest red meat menu ideas and ways for caterers and restaurants to make more money from beef and lamb. The MLA stand will feature butchery demonstrations, a Masterpieces program, and beef-tasting to illustrate the differences between grass-fed, grain-fed and wagyu beef.