In the first episode of 2026, the Week in Beef takes a deep dive into the natural disasters that are having an impact across the eastern seaboard.

Fires have been wreaking havoc in Victoria, while North West Queensland producers are bracing for more rain after devastating flooding. In this episode:

• Sheep Central editor Terry Sim gives an update on the bushfires and seasonal conditions in Victoria.
• Beef Central publisher Jon Condon takes a deep dive into the impact of new tariffs imposed on Australian beef by China.
• The number of the week looks at livestock losses on a national perspectives, US dietary guidelines and early live export activity.

Available every Thursday afternoon on the Beef Central website, or via YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, I Heart Radio, Podbean and other podcast platforms. Search for: The week in beef and click subscribe.

Previous Week in Beef episodes

18 December – Top trends that defined 2025 “the Goldilocks year”

11 December – Big numbers hit saleyards | Activists high court win | State of play in WA

4 December – EPBC uncertainty | Nutritionist’s live ex support | How to judge Wagyu beef

27 November – Big saleyard rush | Future of live export | New largest city in the world

21 November – Soldier’s lifesaving grazing journey | AA Co’s profit lifts | Another major feedlot sale

17 November – Industry purple patch | Conference season | Why beef and beer match