Australia: historic highs for red meat production

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released livestock slaughter and production data for the June quarter, closing FY2024–25. Numbers highlight a new record for Australian beef production, while lamb and mutton throughput continued their historic highs – all proving overall red meat supply strength.

Cattle slaughter in FY2024–25 totalled 8.89 million head – the largest throughput since FY2014–15 and the third highest since FY1977–78. Numbers were supported by strong supply across all major production states.

Processed volume was underpinned by a June quarter 8% lift from the March quarter, totalling 2.4 million head. This is the highest quarterly throughput since 2015 and 34% above the five-year average. It was driven mostly by Queensland – processing over one million head. Most other states saw their strongest results in more than a decade.

Beef production reached an all-time high of 2.75 million tons for the financial year, surpassing the previous peak of 2.62 million tons set in FY2014–15. Productivity gains, high feedlot turnoff and ongoing efficiency improvements contributed to this record.

National average carcase weights eased to 307kg, reflecting the lighter winter cattle seasonal trend, combined with higher proportions of processed females. The National Female Slaughter Rate (FSR) rose to 54% in the June quarter. This consistent lift in female slaughter reflects properties turning off high cow numbers due to high supply and attractive prices.

Lamb and mutton

Lamb slaughter for FY2024–25 totalled 26.06 million head – the second highest financial year on record after the FY2023–24 peak. While June quarter slaughter eased 2% from the March quarter, it still contributed to historically strong annual volumes.

Production reached 624,549 tons. Although down 4% from FY2023–24 numbers, it is still the second highest financial year recorded. Stable annual production – despite slightly lower slaughter – was supported by heavier carcass weights as producers placed lambs on grain earlier in response to drier seasonal conditions.

National sheep slaughter reached 11.7 million head in FY2024–25, 13% higher than the previous financial year and the highest annual throughput since FY2006–07. Victoria led the increase with 4.4 million head – its largest annual turnoff since FY1980–81. WA processed its highest total since FY2007–08 at 2.2 million head.

Strong throughput across all states resulted in a 12% year-on-year (YoY) rise in Mutton production, closing at 294,757 tons. Although slaughter reduced in the June quarter, it has highlighted the strength of earlier in the year to drive the annual result.