Global audio brand EPOS today revealed its first personal webcam, the EXPAND Vision 1. EPOS presents a new vision for the modern meeting room to maximise the collaborative potential of professionals navigating new work setups. An EPOS survey* shows that 95% of modern workers struggle with keeping focus and being efficient in hybrid meetings. That is why EPOS introduces meeting room solutions designed for your brain for optimal performance for both people in the meeting room and people calling in. Made to complete your hybrid work setup, the EXPAND Vision 1 eliminates common virtual meeting issues including poor quality vision, long set-up times and difficult setting adjustments. This compact, portable USB webcam delivers ultra-sharp video and exceptional voice pickup, whether you work from home, on the go, or in the office. 

Exceptional Quality Video and Audio

Empowering users to feel professional in any call, the EXPAND Vision 1 features an ultra-sharp 4K camera that optimises the picture based on light conditions, meaning you always look and feel your best.

Preventing the frustrations caused by unclear audio in calls, the EXPAND Vision 1 also features two Omni-directional microphones with noise-cancelling, designed to pick up the voice and not background noise. Powered by EPOS Audio™, the user can be confident they will be heard clearly.

Supporting these features, the EXPAND Vision 1 is backed by certification from leading UC solutions including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, providing a flawless user experience and trusted stamp of approval.

Plug and Play Performance, Personalised 

Shifting between workplaces and meetings often results in increased set-up times, with users needing to re-connect and configure their devices regularly. Preventing last-minute stress ahead of calls, the EXPAND Vision 1 provides instant connection via the included USB-C cable, saving users time without the need for complicated setups and installation. 

Designed to streamline cable management and avoid interference with other devices, the USB-C cable features a 90-degree angled plug, guiding it down to fit even the smallest of workspaces. 
Once set up, users can quickly and easily customise their picture quality via the EXPAND Vision 1’s smart floating menu. With the ability to adjust via the field of view, light, and colour, you can be call-ready in seconds.

Functional and Quality Design of EXPAND Vision 1

Minimising the need for additional support from IT Managers, the EXPAND Vision 1’s integrated mounting clip is designed to fit any monitor, making set-up easy. Adjustable height and angle also allow for a centred display and consistent performance when moving between your work and home display.

Thanks to its compact design and protective carry box, transporting your equipment could not be easier and better protected. The integrated lens shutter also alleviates any privacy concerns users may have.

On the new launch, Theis Mørk, VP Product Management says: “As we continue to develop new Meeting Room Solutions and technologies to assist users and businesses in their hybrid-work journeys, it was important for EPOS to introduce a personal conference camera into our ever-growing product lineup.

Building on the success of the EXPAND Vision 3T, the EXPAND Vision 1 makes it easier than ever for users to elevate their personal meetings.”

The EXPAND Vision 1 will be available for purchase globally in August 2022.

Click here to find further information about the EXPAND Vision 1.

Read Small Business Answers guide to buying a Webcam

Epson has launched its newest generation of compact, efficient and ultra-lightweight high lumens 3LCD projectors perfect for small business use. Epson’s PU2200 range of high lumens 3LCD projectors includes the world’s smallest and lightest 20,000 lumens model, the EB-PU2220B, which is 60% smaller and 50% lighter than its predecessor, the EB-L20000U.

The new range offers users significant advantages including much-reduced size and weight, easier installation and set-up, simplified maintenance and great image quality. The new range of ultra-lightweight, compact laser projectors has been designed for use in large auditoriums, live events, concerts and conference rooms where it delivers high-impact immersive experiences.

The range offers significant environmental benefits including much lower power consumption, and significantly reduced packaging requirements with a lower carbon footprint as the reduced weight and size mean the projectors are easier to store, transport and install, saving on warehouse space as well as labour and delivery costs.

The PU2200 series includes 13,000lm, 16,000lm and 20,000lm models, offering WUXGA resolution with 4K enhancement, HDR and advanced installation features. The compact and lightweight range offer a host of features that hugely benefit the rental and installation sector such as compatibility with existing Epson lenses. The projectors are easy to integrate with existing infrastructures, offering both installation flexibility and fit-and-forget reliability.

All models in the range include functionality that enables simple installation, stacking, lens flexibility and control. The range includes in-built processing for PC-free stacking which means two supported projectors can be stacked to double the brightness without the need for external computerware. Additional features include NFC functionality for simpler installation, enabling communication between projectors and NFC-compatible Android smart devices, even when the projector is off.

The new range also includes improved dust proofing as the hermetically sealed optical engine, and laser light source unit, prevent dust contamination to ensure enhanced durability. The optical engine and light source module are IP5x certified^[1] and Epson uses a high-efficiency liquid cooling system to achieve additional reliability.

Key features of the EB-PU2220B

• Ultra-lightweight and compact, it is the world’s smallest and lightest 20,000lm projector

• Stunning image displays with 20,000lm, 4K Enhancement technology, WUXGA resolution

• Easy to use – simple installation, stacking, lens flexibility and control

• Fit-and-forget reliability – enhanced dustproof construction. IP5x certified^[1]

• Environmental benefits – lower power consumption, reduced packaging, reduced weight

• The EB-PU2220B is 60% smaller and 50% lighter than its predecessor, the EB-L20000U. The reduced weight and size mean the projector is easier to store, transport and install, saving on warehouse space as well as labour and delivery costs.

• The EB-PU2220B’s functionality enables simple installation, stacking, lens flexibility and control. It includes in-built processing for PC-free stacking which means two supported projectors can be stacked to double the brightness without the need for external computerware.

• Includes improved dust proofing as the hermetically sealed optical engine, and laser light source unit, preventing dust contamination to ensure enhanced durability.

Epson in projection

Epson is the world’s leading manufacturer of projectors with over a third share of the global projector market. It specialises in manufacturing compact, versatile, high brightness 3LCD laser projection technology for homes, offices, schools, retailers and for large-scale installations in entertainment venues, museums, galleries, outdoor events and visitor attractions.

Epson high lumens laser projectors are used to create immersive and interactive experiential environments at major venues and visitor attractions across the world. Recent examples of Epson’s AV technology in use include the Electric Forest Music Festival in America, the TeamLab Borderless installation in Shanghai and the International Festival of Lights in Europe.

Epson AV technology can be found impacting the productivity of classrooms and other learning environments across the world, enhancing the retail experience, and helping a range of industry sectors with remote assistance capabilities.

Poly has introduced its latest pro-grade solutions to solve the evolving needs of today’s distributed workforce. Additions to Poly’s portfolio of smart devices include the Poly Studio R30 video bar, Poly Sync 10 speakerphone, and enhancements to the Poly Lens platform to help deliver exceptional experiences from wherever you work.

The announcement comes as Poly launches its first official Australian e-store on Amazon, which will supplement its comprehensive national distributor network. The online store will make it easy for consumers to access Poly’s professional-grade unified communications and collaboration solutions for remote and hybrid workers. Available via the e-store will be the recently launched Poly Sync 10, in addition, to selecting products from the Voyager family of wireless headsets, the Blackwire family of wired USB headsets, and the Studio P family of personal video bars and web cameras.

“The ability to deliver a seamless and equitable experience for today’s modern workforce is not only critical for driving business success but also happier and more productive employees,” said Bill Zeng, Senior Director, APAC, Poly.

“Although organisations have started to announce return-to-office plans, relying on solutions that were successful pre-pandemic will no longer cut it. At Poly, we’re dedicated to investing in pro-grade tools that make sure all employees have equal opportunity and experience – whether in the office, at home or on the go. These solutions, combined with developments to Poly DirectorAI smart camera technology, help employees look and sound their best, while employers can maintain focus on delivering meeting equity for hybrid and office workers alike.”

Charlie Harb, Director, APAC Consumer eTail, Poly, said, “We are thrilled to expand the availability of Poly’s portfolio of beautifully designed and engineered audio and video products for the hybrid workforce of both today and tomorrow.

“We want to solve the dilemma of working from anywhere, and to create equity between those in the room and those who aren’t, by providing our customers the professional-grade gear they need to see and be seen, hear and be heard clearly no matter where they are.”

Outfitting the Modern-Day Workplace

The Poly Studio Series pro-grade video conferencing devices deliver a purpose-built experience for meeting rooms of all sizes, including Poly Studio Kits for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows. Poly’s line-up of video conferencing devices brings equity and ease to upgrade every meeting with Poly DirectorAI technology which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver real-time automatic transitions, group framing and speaker tracking, presenter and conversation mode, while NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies block-out unwanted background noise.

The newest addition to the Poly Studio Series is the Poly Studio R30 smart USB video bar, designed for small meeting rooms. This plug-and-play device comes equipped with Poly DirectorAI technology to ensure everyone is seen clearly with a pinpoint-accurate group and speaker framing. Poly is expanding its line-up of devices for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows to include the Poly Studio R30 Small Room Kit, optimised for smaller meeting rooms. The Poly Studio R30 works with the cloud-based video provider of your choice, is certified by Zoom, and will be Microsoft Teams certified by June 2022.

Poly Studio R30 video bar features include:

●      4K camera with a 120-degree field of view so meeting participants are seen clearly, even those sitting closest to the camera

●      Poly DirectorAI smart camera technology that can perfectly frame everyone in the room, an individual speaker, or even track a presenter in real-time.

●      Advanced audio with NoiseBlock AI and Acoustic Fence to block-out unwanted background noise

●      WiFi device capabilities for remote IT management, reducing the need for additional management software in the room

●      End-users have the option to personalise settings for their workspace

For larger meeting rooms, the Poly Studio E70 camera and Studio X70 video bar are adding a new Poly DirectorAI mode called people framing. People framing mode provides close-ups for each meeting participant in the room, which are displayed in gallery mode. People framing mode will be available on Studio E70 and Studio X70 starting in June 2022.

Delivering Flexibility in Microsoft Teams Rooms

In addition to the Poly Studio Small Room Kit for Microsoft Teams, Poly is delivering added flexibility for its entire line-up of Teams Rooms on Windows:

·        A USB extender and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) options for more flexible room deployments and seamless connections to user’s laptops for any video app

·        A Camera Control App so users can easily adjust the camera experience or change Poly DirectorAI modes

Pro-grade Gear for Hybrid Workers

Poly Sync speakerphones feature USB and Bluetooth^® connectivity with intelligent microphones that track the talker, not the noise. The Sync family line-up is sleek, sophisticated, smart, and designed to deliver crisp audio quality for both work and entertainment.

The Poly Sync 10, the newest member of the Sync family, is a plug-and-play USB speakerphone designed to upgrade the home office experience, converting any space into your own personal conference room. Perfect for calls and music, its two-microphone steerable array reduces surrounding noise and delivers high-quality audio. The Poly Sync 10 is certified by Microsoft and Zoom and works seamlessly with the cloud-based meeting platform of your choosing.

Poly Sync 10 speakerphone features include:

●      Reliable, enterprise-grade hi-fi audio and power amplifier for calls and music

●      Easy-to-spot call status, with clear, bright status lightbar

●      USB-A cable, with a USB-C adapter included

●      Dust-and water-resistant IP64

●      Supported by Poly Lens

Vital Device Insights and Management

Poly Lens provides a holistic platform with device control for all Poly gear, including the Studio R30 video bar and Sync 10 speakerphone, to enhance workspace and user experience. The cloud-based solution delivers vital management tools for provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting Poly devices.

No matter where users work, or which device they choose, the Poly Lens App gives them the ability to personalise their experience, stay up to date with the latest software, get helpful usage tips, support, and more. The latest enhancements will feature Lens App for mobile devices supporting Poly Bluetooth devices while on the go. Poly Lens App for mobile will be available soon.

Poly Lens and the Poly Lens App features include:

·        Vital management for the Poly voice, video, and headsets for both the IT manager and individual user

·        Device personalisation for both the user’s desktop and mobile

·        “Find MyDevice” for mobile users, so you never misplace your favourite device

Availability & Pricing (Poly declined to provide AUD pricing)

●      The Poly Studio R30 video bar is available now via select resellers, starting at $799 USD.

●      The Poly Studio R30 Small Room Kit for Microsoft Teams Rooms is now available for purchase via select resellers, starting at $2,099 USD (PC not included).

●      The Poly Sync 10 speakerphone is available now from select resellers, and will also be available from Amazon, starting at $99.99 USD.

●      Poly Lens and the Poly Lens App for desktops are currently available worldwide at no extra cost. Poly Lens App for mobile will be available soon.

To learn more about the Poly solutions delivering workplace equity for hybrid and office workers, please visit poly.com/work-wherever.

EPOS has announced the latest additions to their Meeting Rooms Solutions portfolio that are designed to facilitate teamwork and seamless collaboration: EXPAND Vision 5 and EXPAND Control.

EPOS, the premium audio brand, has a new vision for the modern meeting room to maximise the collaborative potential of professionals navigating new work setups. An EPOS survey* shows that 95% of modern workers struggle with keeping focus and being efficient in hybrid meetings. That is why EPOS introduces meeting room solutions designed for your brain for optimal performance for both people in the meeting room and people calling in.

The EXPAND Vision 5 is a cutting-edge video bar where powerful speakers, wide-angle 4K camera, noise-cancelling microphones, and compute have been uniquely combined in an all-in-one video conferencing solution for small meeting rooms. Intelligent picture framing powered by EPOS AI™ dynamically adjusts to make sure everyone in the room can be seen clearly on the call, while its beamforming microphone array picks up voices crisply, minimising the interference of poor meeting room acoustics. With flexible mounting options, the device can be installed with minimal effort and subsequently managed and updated remotely using EPOS Manager. Certified for leading UC solutions including Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android™ (with EXPAND Control), RingCentral Rooms™ and Zoom Rooms, its one-touch join function means that you can enjoy stress-free meetings and focus your attention on the things that will drive your business forward.Crystal-Clear Audio

Having to repeat yourself in a meeting can have huge ramifications to the flow of collaboration, amounting to frustration and in some cases lost business. The EXPAND Vision 5’s powerful stereo speakers carry every word clearly, with a beamforming microphone array to pick up voices crisply and cancel out any room reverb.

Intuitive Setup

With multiple devices to connect to, manage and update, it’s no wonder that meetings run over. The EXPAND Vision 5 makes it easy for participants to join meetings with one touch via the remote control, touch screen or EXPAND Control, running a UC provider natively without the need for a computer. Alternatively, the EXPAND Vision 5 can connect via USB to any PC or Mac®. Integrated cable management ensures a tidy meeting room setup, while the option to install a Kensington lock provides peace of mind that the video bar will remain in its designated place.

Intelligent Picture Framing

Huddling around a small screen and speaker is a thing of the past. Intelligent picture framing—powered by EPOS AI™ and matched by a wide-angle 4K camera with Sony® sensor—automatically adjusts the digital zoom to capture all meeting participants.

Use with EXPAND Control – One Tablet, Two Functions

The EXPAND Vision 5 can be used in combination with the EXPAND Control tablet. Engineered for dual functionality, the tablet can be used as a meeting room controller to join meetings, adjust call settings, or share content, as well as a room scheduling panel, letting you book meeting rooms, check room availability, and view meeting details. Ergonomically designed for simplicity and functionality, the tablet features a large 10.1” anti-glare screen and an optimal viewing angle to provide the best and most intuitive user experience for everyone, whatever the meeting room size. With hassle-free installation, certification for leading UC solutions, and its ability to pair seamlessly with EPOS EXPAND Vision video conferencing solutions, EPOS provides a one-stop solution to elevate the way you conduct meetings.

“We believe workers should be equipped with meeting room solutions that help improve their performance and reduce cognitive overload, especially when spending hours in meetings day-in-day-out. Video conferencing should be a straightforward experience, free from the distractions and inconveniences caused by disjointed tech solutions. With the launch of the EXPAND Vision 5, we’re delivering on that vision, with a product that is designed for your brain while still being easy to use, reliable and built to last,” Theis Mørk, VP Product Management.

Click here to find further information about the EXPAND Vision 5 and EXPAND Control.

The K-Startup Grand Challenge (KSGC) is a startup accelerator program supported by the South Korean government. Returning for its 7th year, the program aims at bringing international startups, with a focus on SEA and ANZ startups. Applications opened on 15 April 2022 and will close on 31 May 2022 for startups keen on the opportunity to work and build a strong foundation in South Korea.

KSGC was launched by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) in 2016 and has been integral in connecting promising startups from around the world to South Korea. The government is committed to making the country a startup and innovation powerhouse and has invested an average of USD $2 billion yearly since 2013 towards that goal.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the KSGC program has proven to be one of the safest, and most sought-after accelerator programs internationally. Over 2,600 global startups applied from 118 countries for the KSGC 2020 batch. To date, the program has resulted in 109 startups from across 44 countries setting up their base of operations in Korea.

“During our time with the KSGC program, the KSGC team and mentors helped us secure pilot tests, and networking opportunities with leading players like Samsung and LG Chem, as well as the local battery industry players. The program was instrumental in our internationalisation efforts out of Singapore into South Korea.” Said Joshua Sunny Chuah, co-founder of Anzene, a Singapore smart battery startup company from the KSGC 2019 batch.

KSGC 2022 will offer 60 startups from around the world that are less than 7 years old a 3.5-month residency program from 1 August to 15 November. Applications open on 15 April and close on 31 May 2022. Each startup’s representative must be of foreign nationality, and express a clear interest to expand into the Korean and East Asian markets. There is a cash prize for the top 10 startups, with USD $120,000 for the winner.

The program will be conducted in Pangyo Techno Valley. Participants will have their living expenses covered, and be provided with free office and project spaces to work from. Startups will have access to mentors, consultants, and business development teams to help fulfil their potential and aid in their localisation efforts.

With more than 10 startup unicorns based in South Korea, focusing on startup diversity by bringing innovation and ideas from SEA could be the key to the future of the tech scene in Korea. Mr Shin Sung Woo, director of KICC Singapore says, “We have seen many strong and varied applicants from South East Asia for the program, and they have done well across the years. We are excited to see how the South East Asian applicants will surprise us for KSGC 2022.”

To signup for KSGC 2022, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/KSGCpress, for more information about KSGC, please visit: https://www.k-startupgc.org/

Australia’s leading wholesale telecommunications provider, Telcoinabox, part of Symbio Holdings, has announced the launch of Unite Calling, a Microsoft Teams direct routing solution designed to simplify cloud calling for Australian small-medium sized businesses. This latest innovation makes it quicker and easier for service providers of all sizes to easily scale a cost-effective direct routing offering for Teams calling and deliver a high-quality experience to end-users.

Unite Calling is a native Teams application combining advanced automation and modern authentication standards via a direct carrier interconnect, making it the most innovative Teams calling solution available. Unite Calling is hosted domestically within Microsoft Azure with enterprise-grade security and leverages Symbio’s geo-redundant high availability carrier network. 

Prompted by the shift to hybrid and remote working, Gartner predicts 75% of enterprise users globally will not use a desk phone by 2024, up from 30% in 2020[1]. As the unified communications market continues to grow with spending forecast to reach US$53 billion by 2025[2], Symbio is providing a seamless calling experience necessary to support a cloud-based future.

CEO of Symbio’s Telco as a Service (TaaS) business division, Jon Cleaver said, “With more than 270 million monthly users worldwide, Microsoft Teams is the world’s leading business collaboration tool, has experienced exponential growth throughout the pandemic that shows no signs of slowing down.

“For small service providers, launching direct routing for Microsoft Teams is both time-consuming and expensive, and requires significant technical capabilities to correctly deploy and manage.

“We’re proud to be the first company in the southern hemisphere to help small-medium sized businesses who have struggled through the pandemic, be able to digitalise by simplifying processes and improving their access to cloud calling. By removing barriers to deployment, we’re also helping our customers to generate new revenue streams from Teams calling and enable their end-users to capitalise on the booming enterprise communications market.”

Accelerated deployment without complex admin

Telcoinabox’s new self-serve Unite Calling solution eliminates high deployment costs, lengthy installation timelines and the need for specialist technical skills. Requiring no infrastructure setup or manual configuration, Unite Calling can now be deployed autonomously by service providers removing hours of complex professional installation.

Leveraging advanced automation technology, Telcoinabox’s solution also provides an intuitive and seamless user experience for service providers to manage all their customers in one place, entirely within Microsoft Teams. This removes the need for providers to switch between multiple systems, streamlining service delivery and lowering the potential for human error. The platform also provides real-time control without the need for PowerShell and, by extension, specialised knowledge and training.

“Our goal always is to help our customers compete and win. Our technology will empower small providers to launch their own Teams calling offering to give their customers a quality calling experience without the high costs. We are proud to offer the industry standard indirect routing and deliver greater return on investment for our customers and their end-users,” said Cleaver.

Unite Calling will be available to resellers and managed service providers in the Microsoft Market Place in Australia from May with further plans to launch in Asia-Pacific as part of Symbio’s broader regional business expansion strategy.

[1] https://www.uctoday.com/unified-communications/big-uc-news-from-cisco-ringcentral-and-gartner/

[2] https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4000616

Australian beef production recovery underway, but unlikely to reach full potential – Rabobank seasonal outlook

Australia’s cattle availability will increase in the year ahead – as the national herd continues to rebuild – but supply chain limitations will impede sector growth, Rabobank says in its newly-released Australian Beef Seasonal Outlook for 2022.

In the report, titled ‘Recovery well underway but the process will be slow’, the agribusiness banking specialist says as cattle numbers start to lift, they will create additional pressures in the already-constrained supply chain and have implications for sales and prices.

“Increased cattle numbers will see some of the urgency leave the cattle-buying market, so prices will drift down. But domestic consumption and export markets are favourable, and we don’t believe there will be any rapid price drops,” the report says.

“As cattle numbers increase, buyers will become more discerning. If people are going to continue to pay high prices, they will choose the better quality cattle.”

Report author, Rabobank senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said it was  expected heavier discounting would be seen of “poorer cattle and those that don’t meet specifications”.

“Additional cattle will also load up the supply chain. And existing constraints like freight costs, container access, port congestion and labour availability at processing plants will come under further pressure,” he said.

“These constraints will limit the ability to expand capacity to meet the increase in cattle numbers and may lead to some delays in processing cattle and to additional downward pressure on prices.”

Domestic cattle outlook

Mr Gidley-Baird said domestic beef production is set to rise in the year ahead – but less than its potential.

“As a result of herd rebuilding over the past two years, the availability of slaughter-weight cattle will increase in 2022. Based on Rabobank modelling, cattle slaughter numbers could rise seven percent, to 6.4 million head, with a corresponding nine per cent rise in production to just over two million tonnes in 2022, he said.

“We have already seen evidence of this increased cattle supply, with Q3 and Q4 2021 male slaughter numbers up seven per cent and one per cent respectively year on year – some of the largest increases in five years.”

Rabobank estimates cattle slaughter weights will lift two per cent, to an average 318 kilograms.

But severe constraints in meat-processing labour – due to COVID disruptions and lack of skilled workers – plus ongoing freight challenges will limit the production increase, the report says.

The lift in Australian cattle production will lead to increased beef exports in the year ahead, the report says, while domestic beef consumption is expected to decline.

“The production increase will mainly benefit export markets,” Mr Gidley-Baird said “We expect domestic per capita beef consumption to drop by two per cent in 2022, to an estimated average 21.6 kilograms per person. This drop is smaller than in previous years where consumers were confronted with higher retail prices.”

Given the slow population growth rate, total domestic beef consumption is expected to drop one per cent in the year ahead, the Rabobank report said.

Feedlots

Numbers of cattle on feed will rise in the coming season, the report says, but warns there will be more selective buying from feedlots.

“We expect grain-fed beef production to increase at a slower rate in 2022,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“After declining through 2020, cattle on feed numbers grew throughout 2021 – Q4 2021 numbers were up 11 per cent year on year at 1.16 million head.”

However, the report notes, feeder cattle prices are likely to track downwards. And with expensive feeder cattle currently in the system, feedlot margins are expected to be under pressure for some time yet.

Global trade

Global beef markets are bright, Mr Gidley Baird said, but there are shadows looming as strong consumer demand may be challenged by cost increases.

“Phenomenal consumer demand across many markets and an inability for supply to keep up spurred retail beef prices to rise to record levels in 2021,” he said.

The report says US retail beef prices in 2021 were 26 per cent higher than the five-year average. Similarly, Chinese retail beef prices were 25 per cent higher. While there are some signs of consumer resistance to these higher prices, overall, Rabobank believes they are being accommodated, and demand remains strong.

However, Mr Gidley-Baird said challenges in the form of inflationary pressures leading to increased cost of living for consumers and slowing economies may yet result in a weakening of demand.

Domestic price outlook

The report says following an “extraordinary 2021” – when limited supplies and strong producer demand drove cattle prices “even higher” – prices, particularly for young cattle, will “drift down” through 2022.

“While the strong fundamentals of high global prices, strong consumer demand, and limited global supplies still support cattle prices, we feel the urgency that drove local producers’ restocking efforts will subside, and as a result, the heat will be taken out of the market,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“We believe that by the end of the year young weaner cattle prices could be about 25 per cent lower than where they started the year,” he said.

“But even with a drop of that size we will still be at historically high cattle prices and in reality our forecast is only taking us back to the price levels we saw at the beginning of 2021.”

Regional outlook

Bank analysis of regional conditions around Australia – undertaken for the report – showed southern Australia leads the way on herd recovery, but most production areas are close to normal.

In terms of total cattle numbers, most eastern states and the Northern Territory still indicate they are up to 25 per cent below their normal capacity, the exception being parts of Victoria where they are at normal or above-normal capacity.

Mr Gidley-Baird said a large portion of the expected herd growth in 2022 is expected to be driven from producers retaining stock.

“The preference for purchasing, or indeed trading, breeding cattle appears lower than that of breeding and growing cattle on property,” he said.

“After another year of rebuilding the herd, and given where cattle prices currently are, it is more believable that producers will adopt a ‘grow your own’ strategy now.

“The ongoing limited cattle numbers will still mean there is producer interest in going to the market, but we suspect buyers will be much more discerning and looking to purchase quality cattle or cattle that will fit into their traditional production system.”