Australian Beef Report 2017

Articles & Publications, Industry Publications
In the Australian beef industry, the underlying long-term profitability of the majority of beef businesses is alarmingly low. Simple, cost-effective action is urgently needed. The Australian Beef Report is the only document of its kind. It delivers the most comprehensive objective analysis yet undertaken of the productive and financial performance of the Australian beef industry, from the herd through to the whole business. This analysis clearly identifies the issues and how to address them. The report is co-authored by Phil Holmes and Ian Mclean, experienced beef industry specialists. Its purpose is to provide analysis, insights and advice that have never been previously available. The industry analysis includes northern & southern production systems as a whole as well as by region, market and herd size. Read More
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Tax Time Considerations

Tax Time Considerations

Articles & Publications, Opinion Pieces
This article was first published on Beef Central on 8th May 2017 In times of good profits, investments in the business to improve future performance and reduce risk should be considered. The tax deductibility of the investment however should be secondary to whether it is a good investment in its own right. A cost benefit analysis should be undertaken to compare what the investments return, in total and relative to the amount invested and over what time frame. If the investment doesn’t stack up then reducing debt or provisioning for succession or retirement will be a better use of funds, regardless of the tax implications. You can buy a load of fencing gear and fill the bowsers up, but often this just means that once you do it, you have to…
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How much debt can my cattle operation afford?

How much debt can my cattle operation afford?

Articles & Publications, Opinion Pieces
By Ian McLean This article was first published on Beef Central A producer going through the process of succession recently asked us the pertinent question 'how much debt can I afford to take on with the property?'. This is a critical question for all businesses to ask themselves and the answer is unique to each business, however what a bank is prepared to lend you and what debt you can afford will usually be two different figures. How much debt a business can afford will be a function of its profitability, over what period you would like the debt to be paid off, and what funds the business and family needs after debt servicing costs. A further explanation of each of these factors is below. The profitability of a business is…
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