RECENT weather impacts will form an important part of intelligence gathered as part of Meat & Livestock Australia’s next Grassfed Beef Producer Intentions Survey.

Producers can now participate in the April survey, closing at the end of this month.

Recent flooding and late wet season influences across large parts of Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory will change the outlook for many cattle producers across eastern Australia – both directly and indirectly.

The April Producer Intentions survey is focused on producers’ plans for their upcoming breeding programs.

Almost five years of strong seasonal conditions have impacted Australian beef producers’ stocking and turn-off decisions. Producers in key cattle production regions have taken advantage of the seasons, leading to heavier cattle being turned off.

The recent weather conditions, particularly the floods in Queensland, will impact cattle numbers – either due to changes in turn-off decisions or on-farm mortalities.

For industry to get a clear insight into the impact of the weather events on producer intentions and sentiment as well as cattle numbers, MLA analysts rely heavily on the results of the Beef Producer Intentions Survey. Strong participation is critical in order to deliver robust statistical results – from which the entire industry benefits.

The information producers provide via the survey is critical to building a well-rounded understanding of not only their on-farm situation but also of the beef industry as a whole.

MLA said it understood that the evolving situation in Queensland could make it difficult for flood-affected producers to respond to the survey during this time.

“Any time producers can set aside to complete the survey before responses close on 30 April would be appreciated and will help analysts to build a clear picture of the flood impacts on the national herd,” MLA said.

The April Wave provides feedback on producers plans for the upcoming breeding program and other related issues, like producer intentions and sentiment, calving and joining rates, expected sales volume, herd figures, spring/autumn breeding program and likely turnoff weights.

The April survey will also capture the impact of the floods and the natural disasters that have occurred and be able to quantify those impacts on the overall herd. It will also provide producers an opportunity to inform about their concerns and how they have been impacted by the herd.

Click here to access the survey