Australia's red meat sector has recorded a significant lift in cattle and lamb slaughter volumes in the first quarter of 2025, with producers responding to varied seasonal conditions across the country, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
Cattle
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed that cattle slaughter reached 2.2 million head for the quarter, up 2% from Q4 2024 and 20% higher year-on-year.
This marks the largest quarterly cattle slaughter in Victoria since 1979, and in New South Wales since 2015, with volumes lifting 5% and 7% respectively. South Australia also recorded its highest quarterly cattle slaughter since 2017, up 16%, driven by tough seasonal conditions prompting early turnoff.
Despite recent flooding and cyclones, Queensland's cattle slaughter rate eased by 2%, reflecting improved seasonal conditions that allowed producers to retain stock longer. Western Australia saw a 4% decline, while Tasmania lifted 4%.
The female slaughter rate (FSR) rose to 52.7%, indicating elevated female turnoff, particularly in South Australia and Victoria. However, according to MLA's Market Information Manager, Stephen Bignell, this is not indicative of widespread herd liquidation across the country.
"The elevated female slaughter rate reflects regional responses to seasonal pressures, particularly in the south where a prolonged and expanding drought is impacting numbers," Mr Bignell said.
"While some areas are destocking, others are benefiting from improved conditions and holding onto stock.
"This is most evident in Queensland where generally good conditions are resulting in stock retention and even herd growth."
Beef production rose 3% to 679,000 tonnes, with South Australia recording the largest lift at 16%. National average carcase weights increased by 1.5kg to 313kg, supported by growth in lot feeding and earlier turnoff of heifers.
The value of cattle production hit $4.41 billion for the quarter, with the average value per head rising 3% to $2,029. National average price per tonne was $6.49, with South Australia leading at $6.98/tonne.
Lamb
Lamb slaughter surged to 6.86 million head, the second-highest quarterly figure on record, up 12% from the previous quarter and slightly above year-ago levels.
Victoria led the charge, processing a record 3.83 million head, while New South Wales lifted 27% to 1.48 million head. Only Western Australia saw a decline, down 6%, though volumes remained above the five-year average.
Lamb production reached 166,800 tonnes, up 18% from Q4 2024, with Victoria producing a record 91,600 tonnes. National average lamb carcase weights rose to 24.3kg, with South Australia leading at 26.1kg.
Sheep
Sheep slaughter totalled 3 million head, a 14% decline on the previous quarter though remained 7% above year-ago levels.
While Victoria saw a year-on-year decline, most state turnoff lifted above year ago levels staying high following record turnoff in late 2024. Mutton production reached 74,700 tonnes, which was the third-highest quarterly volume in a decade.
The gross value of sheep and lamb slaughtered in Australia lifted once again across all states to an impressive $1.58 billion. This is likely due to an increase in throughput and production, however markets remained relatively strong in the first quarter despite the elevated supply.
