Cattle and commodity prices continue to place pressure on feedlot and processing margins, with Bindaree actively balancing grassfed and grainfed slaughter, as well as its feeder programs.
Production across major beef processors, including Bindaree, has steadied, with limited supply of suitable cattle and market access challenges.
From a procurement perspective, southern processors continue to compete strongly in northern regions, and cattle supply remains tight. Major selling centers such as Roma and Dalby continue to produce good yardings each week.
Although feed availability remains abundant across much of Queensland, pasture quality has started to decline, resulting in slower weight gains and delayed turn-off. Ongoing rainfall across large parts of eastern Australia has given producers the confidence to retain stock, while also supporting strong demand for restocker cattle.
Global trade dynamics are beginning to shift and are expected to influence domestic cow prices, with a recent softening in the market.
Export Markets
China
Australia’s share of the Chinese beef market has contracted significantly, with Brazil currently holding a dominant position as the country’s leading beef supplier.
China has also reinstated export certification for more than 400 US beef processing plants. While US exports to China are largely focused on forequarter cuts, the ongoing herd rebuild in the US is expected to limit any substantial increase in export volumes.
Bindaree will commence a dedicated China production program in October, with HGP-free cattle entering feedlots and scheduled for processing and export from January 2027.
Brazil
Brazil is expected to fulfill its annual China quota in the coming weeks and has already started to redirect beef volumes into the US.
Brazil continues to prove itself at the global beef powerhouse, with exports reaching a record 1.705 million metric tonnes during the first half of 2026, an increase of 15.5% compared with the same period in 2025.
United States
The US lean meat market has been integral for Bindaree this year, with production at Monbeef (Cooma) supporting export volumes throughout 2026.
Pressure is increasing in the 90CL trim market as Argentina and Brazil are able to supply product at a comparatively lower cost.
United Kingdom
Any momentum towards the UK allowing HGP-free beef imports outside EUCAS regulations has dissipated, resulting in reduced optimism around expanded market access.
South Korea
Australian beef exports to South Korea have surged, with volumes reaching over 90% of the 196,000-tonne safeguard limit. The safeguard is expected to trigger in mid-to-late July, at which point the tariff will increase to 24%.
Bindaree Bookings and Livestock Update
Inverell and Monbeef are currently taking bookings for late July, and feedlot placements are running two weeks ahead, depending on cattle type. Please touch base with a member of the Bindaree buying team.
For producers planning on selling feeder cattle, it is important to be clear on your offering, including weight ranges, preg-test status and any pre-treatments. This will ensure you receive the optimum price for your stock.
Bindaree has recently expanded its grainfed capacity in Queensland, adding two new yards to its custom fed network and increasing capacity by a further 12,000 head.
