The main producers of beef globally are Brazil, Australia, Argentina and the United States. Argentineans are the worlds largest beef consumers, while Brazil and Australia are the largest exporters of beef in the world.
The beef industry globally has seen an increase in size over the past ten years due to the growth of the global economy. A key contributor to the growth of the global beef market is the growing wealth of people in developing countries - as people become wealthier, their diets include more premium products, including beef.
The beef industry in Australia
The Australian beef industry began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The original herd of two bulls and around six cows were purchased in South Africa as the ships made their way to Australia from London. From these humble beginnings, the Australian beef industry is now one of the largest in the world. The beef export market in Australia represents a significant part of the beef industry and Australian exports generally.
Key Australian beef industry information
o There 27 million cattle in Australia
o Each year the industry injects over $16 billion into the nation's economy
o The industry employs over 172,000 people
o Cattle are produced in each state and territory in Australia
o Brahman (Northern Australia) and Poll Hereford (Southern Australia) are the most popular breeds in Australia, although there are over 40 breeds of cattle in Australia
Different feeding regimes for cattle
Feeding regimes and types of feed differ around the world, based on local geographic and market conditions.
Production systems in Europe and the United States are quite different to those in Australia. Australian beef is predominantly grass fed beef, and grain feeding is undertaken for a short period. In the northern hemisphere, colder climates mean that cattle require housing and intensive feeding so grain feeding tends to be longer than in Australia.
In Europe cattle often graze heavily fertilised and improved pasture and then move to feedlots where they are typically fed concentrated pellets derived from sugar beet, barley, food and by-products such as brewers