Australian Beef May Become Unavailable as Australia Sees Lesser Cows

By
Nicholas Chia
-

I have some beef with COVID-19, not being to go gather in large groups, having to wear a mask all the time, but this is just crossing the line. 

Australian Cattle Supply Decreasing

I thought I made a mis-steak when I read that the number of cattle in Australia had decreased drastically. Especially since Australia is one of the largest global beef exporters, along with the United States and Brazil. 

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the demand for Australian beef dropped greatly.

Now, as the world and its markets begin to pick up post-pandemic, Australia simply doesn’t have enough cattle to supply. Farmers slaughter their female cattle instead of keeping them to breed, resulting in the rising prices of Australian cattle.

What a Moo-sy situation

Similarly, in 2019, farmers were also forced to cull their cattle due to a severe drought. However, unlike the current situation,  Australian cattle prices decreased drastically due to the massive oversupply.

Australia risks losing its place as the world’s number 2 exporter of beef.

As the country prepares to restock after riding through these turbulent times, it is noted that this is not an immediate process. It takes around a year for a calf to be ready for slaughter.

Additionally, with the threat of drought and other extreme weather conditions looming, Australian ranchers have to seize the opportunity to increase the herd sizes while they have the opportunity.

Singapore’s Supply

Singapore does not produce any beef and we get its beef from a wide range of countries.

According to Export.gov, Singapore receives 33% of its beef from Australia, 30% from Brazil, 12% from the United States and 8% from New Zealand.

As Singapore’s top supplier, this decline in supply would drastically affect Singapore’s beef imports, resulting in an urgent need to find alternative suppliers.

In terms of popularity, beef falls below chicken and pork.

However, in 2019, the Singaporean population consumed around 4kg of beef per person, making the demand for beef significant in the country.

Plant-Based Substitutes Growing In Popularity

Even though meat is a staple in our diets, plant-based meat substitutes have also been growing in popularity.

Products like Impossible Meat, Beyond Meat and Quorn are being sold in supermarkets around town. The price of a 340g pack of Impossible Meat costs $11.90 on RedMart.

Not that bad a deal, especially since you’re doing the environment a favour.

As citizens become more aware and conscious of their carbon footprint and switch to the occasional plant-based meat from time to time, maybe the drop in Australian beef supply might not be that detrimental.

I guess it’s time to eat less beef for the time being. No steak for lunch, maybe chicken rice instead?

Feature Image: Sara Winter / Shutterstock.com

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Nicholas Chia
Email: [email protected]