Australian cattle markets are expected to have a pivotal year in 2023 due to the absence of La Niña for the fourth year in a row and declining slaughter numbers. Slaughter numbers have fallen 44% since 2019, reaching 4.23 million heads in 2022. Despite this, the cattle herd is projected to grow by 5.6% to 27.6 million units in 2022. However, challenges such as staff shortages, high cattle prices, logistical issues, pandemic lockdowns, and difficult meat sales are expected to limit Australia's full production potential in 2022. Additionally, the decline in US beef production due to drought and reduced calf numbers presents a potential opportunity for Australian exports.