Global AgriTrends and Australian Farmer Confidence

Out of the recent years of adversity, our business and our customers are finding new opportunities and Australia’s Global AgriTrends’ forecast is projecting an all-time high for both Cattle and Sheep by 2026...

Australian Livestock Market Outlook 

At a recent Sales and Marketing Conference event for our Gallagher Australia team, we were joined by independent meat and livestock analyst Simon Quilty. Simon works closely with Australian meat exporters, processers and farmers and with importers from around the world. With experience this rich, he was a valuable asset for our team to learn from and shared some of his in-depth analysis and critical insights on current global events and agricultural market trends...

“Certainty is the enemy of growth” 

Australia - Our large sunburnt country is often challenged by fire, flood & drought – and then in 2020, out of the blue came a pandemic no-one could have predicted. Australian farmers are no stranger to adversity, but as #1 NY Times Bestselling author Mark Manson says - “certainty is the enemy of growth”. Out of adversity comes opportunity, and Simon’s analysis shows that we’re now entering a period of growth and should feel confident about what’s ahead with strong recovery for Australian farmers after a prolonged period of tough economic conditions. 

Growing prices and growing demand

• Global demand for both Beef and Sheep is showing green shoots after a difficult 2022/2023.  

• The US supply shortage of Beef will drive global demand for Australian Beef, leading to stronger prices.

• Global AgriTrends’ forecast is projecting an all-time high for both Cattle and Sheep by 2026 and then a continued period of stable high from 2026 – 2033 (7-year period). Higher prices will ensure the rest of the world will also reach out for quality protein, and Australia is synonymous with premium quality beef, lamb and goat.

• The forecast for Australian Livestock Prices is very favourable and we are already seeing rising prices and expecting this to continue with significant increases in Australian Cattle Prices in 2025/2026.

In 2023, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology declared that an El Niño event was expected to cause severe drought over the 2023/24 summer period. In response and in preparation, Australian farmers moved to destock their cattle and sheep. This created an oversupply of livestock, driving down prices and profitability. Australian Farmers are now moving into a rebuild for cattle late this year and for sheep next year.  

General Manager for Gallagher Australia Rod Johnson is excited for what the years ahead will bring. 

“Farmer confidence is sure to build in the coming months, with livestock price increases bringing some much-needed relief for our producers. There’s strong evidence to predict growth in technology uptake amongst farmers- to meet this growing demand, which is positive not only for our business but for the Australian ag industry as a whole.

“As Simon said at our conference, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’.”

Australian Livestock Industry performance over the last 10 years provides great insights on how farmers and businesses have responded to a turbulent economy and shows that it’s important to be prepared for growth periods. If you are already in the planning stages to rebuild your stock, Gallagher’s solutions can make the job easier – from EID and Weighing (Animal Performance & Traceability) to Fencing and more, our teams are ready to help.

To find out more about predicted market growth or Simon’s in-depth analysis and insights, check out the Global Agritrends Downunder subscription, or click here for more about Gallagher products and solutions.