Shoppers in Australia should prepare for higher meat prices following significant livestock losses caused by flooding in Queensland’s outback, as warned by experts. Over 100,000 cattle, sheep, and goats have been reported dead or missing due to the recent weather events, with further losses expected as heavy rains persist.
Colin Dwyer, an adjunct professor at James Cook University, draws parallels between the current situation and the catastrophic flooding in 2019, which also severely impacted livestock and resulted in increased meat prices. In the aftermath of that disaster, prices at butchers saw an average rise of 10–20% within a year.
Dwyer noted that multiple pressures are contributing to the likelihood of price increases, calling for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to monitor the situation to prevent unnecessary hikes. Additional challenges include disruptions in road transport and diminished wages within the cattle sector, further complicating the meat supply chain.
However, a robust season for cattle farmers in New South Wales could potentially counterbalance the effects of livestock losses in Queensland. Another expert, Professor John Rolfe from Central Queensland University, suggested that while the situation remains serious, the impact on consumers may not be as severe since the majority of lost livestock was intended for export. Rolfe pointed out that much of the affected beef is of high quality and destined for international markets, which could mitigate local supply shortages.
As the situation develops, consumers are advised to stay informed about possible changes in meat pricing and availability, particularly as the Queensland government continues to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the floods.