COMMODITY UPDATE
Market Observations: March

Australia’s livestock sector encompasses a diverse range of animals, including poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs, and more. Central to the success of this industry is the availability of various feed ingredients that provide essential nutrients to meet the dietary requirements of different livestock species.

The availability and utilisation of a wide range of feed ingredients are fundamental to the success and sustainability of Australia’s stockfeed industry. By leveraging diverse feed resources, incorporating technological advancements, and prioritising animal nutrition and welfare, the industry continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the country’s vibrant livestock sector while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

In essence, the stockfeed industry in Australia is a dynamic and resilient sector, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of livestock producers, consumers, and the environment. While the industry benefits from a diverse array of feed ingredients, challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices, environmental sustainability concerns, and evolving regulatory requirements persist. In response, ongoing research and innovation efforts focus on improving feed efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing animal health and welfare through novel feed formulations, precision feeding techniques, and sustainable sourcing practices.

The Australian stockfeed industry is in the enviable position of having at its disposal a vast array of inputs because of homegrown and diverse raw material production. This diversity of inputs coupled with its high quality ensures optimal nutrition can be achieved in animal diets.

Grains are a primary component of livestock feed formulations, providing energy, protein, and essential nutrients. Common grains used in Australian stockfeed include wheat, barley, corn, sorghum, and oats. These grains can be used whole, cracked, or ground, depending on the requirements of the animals.

Protein meals are crucial for meeting the protein needs of livestock. Soybean meal, canola meal, cottonseed meal, and various others are among the protein-rich ingredients commonly incorporated into stockfeed formulations. These meals are valuable sources of essential amino acids necessary for growth, reproduction, and overall health.

Oilseeds such as canola, sunflower and linseed are valuable sources of energy and essential fatty acids in livestock diets.

Various by-products generated from food and processing industries find their way into stockfeed formulations. These include but not limited to wheat millrun, dried distillers’ grains, oat hulls, pea pollard and more. By-products offer a means of supplementing feed with additional nutrients and can contribute to reducing waste in the food production chain.

Minerals, vitamins, additives and supplements are essential for maintaining optimal health and productivity in livestock. Stockfeed formulations are often supplemented with mineral premixes. Additives and supplements play critical roles in enhancing feed quality, palatability, and animal performance.

Technological advancement, access to a broad range of quality raw materials, coupled with an ever-increasing knowledge of animal nutrition ensures the Australian stockfeed industry is at the forefront of animal production and welfare. In addition to this, the industry continues to focus on its responsibility of best environmental practices by ensuring raw materials are sourced ethically and produced sustainably.

To increase your livestock farming gains & expert nutritional feeding advice please call 1300 REID FEED or enquire here >

Author

Justin Fay
Commodity Manager