top of page
Search

MARKET SNAPSHOT | 15 OCT 2026

Clara Leung
Oct 15
3 min read

Thursday, 15 October 2026


Latest meat market conditions

BEEF

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

Cattle supply – and therefore beef availability – is generally becoming a little tighter in the market. Especially for higher-than-usual volumes, keep close with your sales rep for the best of-the-moment deals as they arise.

 

The mains

Local seasonal conditions remain the key driver of regional cattle prices. RaboResearch believes that October will be pivotal in determining whether producers will sell their cattle, or retain them to rebuild their herd. At this point in the year, rain would make cattle more expensive and therefore deter putting them through to feedlots and processing; whereas ongoing dry conditions would result in more cattle and therefore more market availability.

 

We can see this in action as  Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) noted that the rainfall over the October long weekend provided “a noticeable lift to cattle and sheep restocker markets, strengthening buyer confidence and demand.”

 

On the export front, preliminary export data for September (till 24 September 2026) shows that Australian beef exports have only declined by 1% when compared to the same period last year. Volumes to Japan and the US had increased by approximately 22% and 7% respectively; while South Korean volumes were down approximately 12% after hitting the quota earlier in the year.


 

Meanwhile, some analysts are predicting that the Chinese safeguard tariffs will have a knock-on effect across all beef supply chains. This new trade dynamic not only affects the processing plants’ schedules, it also changes how feedlots organise their throughput. As delivery windows move earlier in the year, replacement purchases are expected to occur sooner as well.

 

The ripple effects extend across the broader agricultural industry. Feedlot placement decisions will directly influence the purchase timing of key feed ingredients such as corn, barley, and sorghum.

 



LAMB

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

The Australian sheep industry is coming out of the slower winter months, and while throughput rates are starting to pick up a degree of tightened supply, as compared to previous years, will be ongoing.

 

The mains

Sheep slaughter numbers are slowly rising as we get further into Spring but remain 27% below 2025 levels for this time of year and 22% below the five-year average. Volumes are close to 2020 levels, suggesting producers are willing to hold ewes and maintain flock numbers with potential to grow in 2027.

 

Separately, MLA recently released an article discussing the impact higher cash and interest rates are having on sheep producers generally, highlighting that:

 

“While producers have operated in interest rate environments at similar levels previously, the broader livestock production environment is markedly different. In 2011, the cash rate remained at 4.75% for most of the year before the RBA began cutting rates later in November of the same year. In contrast, today’s 4.60% cash rate follows a one percentage point increase since the start of 2026, with the latest decision reflecting continued inflation and cost pressures.”

 

Australia's sheep flock has been contracting for several years, meaning a favourable season does not automatically translate into abundant lamb supply. Though the heavier new-season lambs will start to hit the market, ongoing limited supply will prevent prices from dropping too far.

 

 

CHICKEN

The appetiser – what the market means for foodservice

Demand for chicken meat remains strong. The opening of a new Baiada poultry processing facility in Tamworth, NSW, is coming at a good time to meet sustained demand.

 

The mains

As well as the usual demand from wholesale and retail markets, chicken’s position as a cost-effective protein option has seen the increase of chicken menu items in major established QSR chains; as well as an increase in chicken-specialising foodservice and QSR venues, especially in major metro areas. In the lead up to the festive season, speak with your sales representative if you’re planning on using chicken on your menus to ensure supply and avoid disappointment.

 

Baiada’s new Tamworth chicken facility opened on Wednesday, 16 September. At launch, the processing plant can process about 1.5 million chickens per week, and up to 15,000 birds per hour. The site is set to reach an approved capacity of 3 million birds per week through a future processing line.

 

 


Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is provided for general informational purposes only. While Andrews Meat Industries has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in its preparation, many factors — including environmental and seasonal conditions — can impact its accuracy and currency. For tailored advice relating to your business, please contact your Andrews Meat Industries sales representative.

bottom of page