Cattle prices jumped this week after heavy rain fell across key production areas in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Meat and Livestock Australia's benchmark Eastern Young Cattle Indicator rose above 1,000 cents a kilogram. The national processor cow indicator reached a record $4 a kilogram, and the heavy steer indicator hit $4.77. Analyst Simon Quilty said tight supply and competition between processors and feedlots drove demand, and he forecasts heavy steer prices to rise about 20 per cent next year.
Prices were significantly higher than a fortnight ago at Thursday's Leongatha Store Sale, with steers and heifers both selling strongly. Deb Chisholm sold a pen of 14 Angus steers averaging 345 kilograms for $2,090 a head, or $6.05 a kilogram. Jimmy Kyle of SEJ said prices were fair to buyers and sellers, linking the rise to cattle quality and buyer confidence after recent rain. Heifers consistently sold for more than $5 a kilogram, with some pens close to $6.
A home cook has shared a recipe for a crispy banh mi that takes less than 40 minutes to prepare. The sandwich blends French and Vietnamese influences. Thinly sliced rump steak is marinated, then browned in a hot pan. It is served in a baguette spread with butter. Fillings include pickled carrot, cucumber, shallot and coriander, with a mayonnaise and chilli sauce on top.
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Entries are now open for the 2027 Paddock to Palate Competition, presented by JBS Australia, as the event marks its 30th anniversary. The competition assesses cattle from feedlot efficiency to carcase quality and consumer taste testing. Its first judging phase takes place at JBS Beef City feedlot west of Toowoomba. Organisers say the results give producers performance data to guide breeding, feeding and marketing decisions. Entries for Classes 37, 38 and 40 close on Friday 4 December 2026.
The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, or ABSF, is seeking sustainability professionals to fill three independent environmental, social and governance expert positions. The roles start in January 2027 and involve joining the ABSF steering group to shape how sustainability is measured and reported across the beef sector. Cattle Australia deputy chair Adam Coffey said the experts will guide the framework, which tracks performance across animal care, environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and people and community. Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday 23 October 2026.
The Coalition has signalled opposition to a free-trade deal with the European Union, which Australia agreed to in March after eight years of talks. Liberal treasury spokesman Tim Wilson confirmed the opposition and said Trade Minister Don Farrell had made a complete hash of the negotiations. Farrell urged the Liberals not to back Nationals leader Matt Canavan, arguing that defeating the deal would be economic self-harm. Under the deal, Australia would remove a five per cent tariff on European goods, while the EU would drop tariffs on many Australian exports.
This soy beef la mian stir fry uses hand-pulled Chinese wheat noodles, known for their springy, chewy texture. The beef mince is marinated with soy sauce, cornflour and a little bicarbonate of soda, then browned before being tossed with the noodles and vegetables. The bicarbonate of soda and cornflour help keep the meat tender and give the sauce a silky finish. The recipe suggests using a wok or a large frying pan, cooking in batches so the ingredients do not become soggy.
Commentators warn Brazil, the world's leading beef exporter, could take share from Australia in key export markets. Brazil sends beef to 130 countries, while Australia shipped 1.5 million tonnes to 83 countries in 2025, worth $19.6 billion. China's new 55 per cent tariff on Brazilian beef from 1 October has pushed surplus volumes into other markets. Rabobank analysts say Japan and South Korea could open to Brazilian beef later this year, a development Australian producers are watching closely.
