Record cattle on feed numbers drive huge 2025 turn-off

19 Feb 2026

Key points

Cattle on feed in Australia rose to an all-time high of 1.61 million head in the December quarter.
Feedlot utilisation rates reached 92%.
Feedlots turned off 3.66 million cattle in calendar year 2025.

Australia’s feedlot sector maintained strong momentum through the December quarter, setting a new record for cattle on feed and continuing to test the upper limits of national capacity. This sustained expansion underpinned record grainfed export performance in 2025cal demonstrating the importance of feedlots in the production system.

National feedlot capacity increased by 1% on last quarter to a record 1.76 million head, supporting continued high throughput. The slightly lower September-quarter cattle-on-feed figure flowed through to December turn-off, which totalled 947,200 head, down 2% from the all-time high recorded in the September quarter, yet 21% higher than the same period in 2024. For the full 2025 calendar year, feedlot turn-off reached 3.66 million head, roughly half a million more than in 2024. With global demand for Australian grainfed beef remaining strong, feedlots were a major contributor to Australia’s record beef output in 2025.

Cattle on feed lifted by 4% to an all-time high of 1.61 million head in the December quarter, raising utilisation to 92% (well above long-term averages). The increase indicates newly constructed pens are being filled, reinforcing strong demand for grainfed cattle and grainfed beef.

State-by-state overview

Queensland

Queensland continues to lead the national grainfed sector, holding 55% of total Australian feedlot capacity and setting a fresh record for built capacity at 976,744 head. Numbers on feed increased by 4%, surpassing 900,000 head for the first time and lifting utilisation to 94%. This new high in cattle on feed reinforces the central role of grainfed production within Australia’s broader beef supply chain.

NSW

NSW recorded strong capacity growth, lifting by approximately 2% to a record 537,351 head. Numbers on feed also reached an all-time high, rising above 500,000 head. Utilisation remained exceptionally high at 96%, the highest of any state, indicating a system operating close to its effective ceiling.

SA

SA’s capacity increased by 4% on the previous quarter, while cattle on feed rose by 6%. Utilisation strengthened to 77%, with 59,174 head on feed, an improvement that signals firmer demand for placements and growing throughput potential.

Victoria

Victoria softened for a second consecutive quarter following its June peak. Capacity fell by 4%, while numbers on feed increased by 5% to 67,108 head. As a result, utilisation rose to 83%, suggesting that despite reduced built capacity, demand for feedlot placements remained resilient.

WA

WA posted the strongest quarter-on-quarter growth in cattle on feed, up 22% to 55,277 head. Total capacity held steady at above 90,000 head, placing utilisation at 61%, the lowest among the states. This comparatively low utilisation indicates substantial headroom for expansion in placements should seasonal conditions, grain availability, and market signals remain favourable.

Attribute to: Emiliano Diaz, MLA Senior Market Information Analyst  

Information is correct at time of publication on 20 February 2026.

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