Australia sets new beef production record as sheep and lamb turnoff declines

Australia’s cattle industry posted record beef production in the September quarter, according to the ABS, driven by excellent seasonal conditions across the north. From January to September, the country produced 2.16 million tons of beef, up 13% year-on-year.

Cattle slaughter reached 2.48 million head, 6% higher than the previous quarter and 10% above last year, with Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria reporting some of their largest processing volumes ever. Quarterly beef production hit a new high of 759,270 tons, while carcass weights remained steady at 307kg.

By contrast, national sheep slaughter fell 20% quarter-on-quarter and 26% year-on-year, with major declines in New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. Mutton production dropped 13% to 52,341 tons, the lowest since 2022, with Victoria the only state to record an increase.

Lamb slaughter also eased sharply, down 23% to 5.2 million head, with production falling 25% to 126,171 tons, the lowest since late 2021.

MLA noted that strong pasture conditions are supporting cattle supply and herd rebuilding, while sheep and lamb turnoff continues to ease following last year’s peak.