A surge in global demand for Australian beef is flowing through to the rural property market, with well-located cattle holdings such as ‘Bayvista’ at Hindmarsh Valley[i], South Australia, increasingly attracting attention from producers and investors pursuing scale, productivity and long-term security.

According to Bendigo Bank’s Cattle Update for February 2026, Australian beef exports reached record January volumes, finishing the month at 84,343 tonnes — 4% higher than last year and 20% above the five-year January average.

Australian beef remains in solid demand across international markets, with several major buyers recording solid year-on-year increases. Export volumes to the United States totalled 23,746 tonnes, accounting for 43% of all shipments. Australia’s beef trade with the US has remained particularly robust and is expected to continue throughout 2026 as the country works through an ongoing domestic supply deficit.

China remains the next-largest buyer, although a 205,000-tonne import quota for 2026 is expected to temper volumes. For context, Australia exported around 270,000 tonnes of beef to China in 2025, amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Exports to South Korea were also strong in January, reaching 13,100 tonnes — up 24% year-on-year — with demand expected to remain firm in the months ahead. While volumes to Japan have softened recently, upcoming major domestic events, such as the Golden Week holiday, are expected to support a demand lift.

Despite overseas demand, Australian cattle prices have begun 2026 on a softer note, with the National Young Cattle Indicator currently sitting at 447c/kg. Despite this decline, the indicator remains 2.5% above the five-year average and 19% higher than the ten-year average.

Paul Clifford, Principal of Raine & Horne Rural SA, agrees that rising beef exports and longer-term strength in cattle prices augur well for properties providing for beef production, such as ‘Bayvista’, a flexible and picturesque 672-acre holding currently on the market for $5.6 million and located at 228 Hutchinson Road, Hindmarsh Valley.

Boasting excellent operational improvements for cattle, the property features eight well-maintained and fenced paddocks, 11 dams (some spring-fed), a farmhouse, a dairy conversion/studio and extensive working and utility sheds. Mr Clifford says, “the expertly pieced puzzle makes agricultural and lifestyle possibilities virtually infinite”.

“Offered across one freehold title, the landholding combines scale, character and absolute distinction and also proves work can indeed become pleasure,” Paul said.

It has traditionally carried a high-quality Angus herd of approximately 140 cows and their autumn-calving progeny, along with around 200 ewes and offspring. Easy-working lighter soils span the acreage, complemented by remnant timber, adding to the property’s visual appeal.

Residential improvements to the land include a three-bedroom homestead built in the 1950s that features sweeping rural views and a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom dairy conversion with its own uber-cool rustic kitchen fit-out.

The property also comes with an impressive cattle-handling complex, including an undercover crush, weighing facilities and an easy-loading ramp, and is well fenced into eight main paddocks.

In addition to the dams, the property benefits from reliable average annual rainfall of approximately 625mm (24 inches).

For all your rural real estate needs in 2026, contact your local Raine & Horne Rural office today.

[i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/strathalbyn/properties/228-hutchinson-road-hindmarsh-valley-5211-south-australia?utm_source=30880415&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=30880415&redirectFrom=%2FL26236759%3Futm_source%3D30880415%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3D30880415