More than seven in 10 Victorian beef producers reported positive industry sentiments in Meat and Livestock’s latest survey.
Northern Victorian beef producers are heading into the second half of 2026 with renewed confidence, according to the latest Beef Producer Intentions Survey, released by Meat and Livestock Australia this month.
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The April 2026 survey, which drew responses from more than 700 Victorian producers, found sentiment in the state among the strongest in the country.
Victoria recorded a sentiment score of 66, equal highest alongside South Australia.
It is a significant turnaround from the score of 46 recorded 12 months ago and well above the national average of 53.
More than seven in 10 Victorian producers reported a positive outlook for the beef cattle industry over the next 12 months, with just 4 per cent holding a negative view.
Farmers reported that key positive influences were improving prices (51 per cent), more rain (17 per cent), stronger seasonal conditions (16 per cent), and domestic and global demand (14 per cent).
Key negative influences were fuel prices and shortages (42 per cent), conflict in the Middle East (36 per cent), dry conditions and drought (35 per cent).
That dominant optimism has translated into action on the ground.
About 30 per cent of Victorian producers surveyed said they intend to grow their herd over the coming year, above the national average of 26 per cent, while just 12 per cent plan to reduce numbers.
The majority, 58 per cent, intend to hold herd numbers steady.
Victoria's more favourable autumn conditions also saw active buyers from the region purchasing cattle offloaded by producers under pressure in northern NSW and southern Queensland, where dry conditions pushed sale yard numbers to record levels through April.
Sales patterns reflect a front-loaded year for southern producers, with 63 per cent of first-half cattle sales in Victoria already completed by the end of March, ahead of the national average of 49 per cent.
Saleyards remain the dominant form of selling, with about 77 per cent of Victorian cow-calf producer sales expected to flow through auction in the first half of 2026.
The survey, conducted between late March and mid-May, captured responses from 3055 grassfed beef producers nationally and is one of the key inputs into MLA's beef industry forecasting models.
