The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest figures on livestock slaughter and red meat production have confirmed what many in the industry already knew – 2024-25 was a year like no other for Australian red meat.
Beef production hit an all-time high, lamb slaughter held near record levels, and mutton throughput surged to its biggest volume since 2007, according to the annual data which was released this week.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Acting Market Information Manager, Erin Lukey said the results highlight the strength and adaptability of producers, who have delivered despite dry spells and shifting seasonal conditions.
Australia processed 8.88 million head of cattle in FY25 – the third-largest annual slaughter since 1978 and the biggest since the drought-driven peak in 2015.
In the June quarter alone 2.3 million head were processed, up 8% on the previous quarter and 10% higher than a year earlier.
Queensland led the way, lifting throughput 13% to more than 1 million head, while NSW, Victoria and Tasmania all recorded their strongest quarters in more than a decade.
Beef production topped out at 2.75 million tonnes for the year, smashing the previous record set in 2015. The June quarter delivered 717,891 tonnes, the largest quarterly output ever recorded, underpinned by stronger productivity and record feedlot turnoff.
However, national carcase weights fell to 307kg, with more females heading to processors. The Female Slaughter Rate (FSR) jumped to 54%, with NSW and Victoria both hitting record highs, sitting 14% and 17% above their long-term averages.
A FSR this high would usually indicate the national herd was in liquidation, but this is contested across the industry. We will tackle the issue in another article.
Despite patchy conditions, lamb slaughter remained firm at 26.06 million head for the year – the second-largest on record.
Quarterly numbers dipped 2%, but most states held steady or lifted throughput. Tasmania stood out, posting an 18% rise to its highest kill since 2016, while Victoria fell 8% after producers turned stock off earlier in response to dry conditions.
“The lamb sector continues to show strength despite seasonal variability,” Ms Lukey said.
“Producers are adapting to dry conditions and making strategic decisions around turnoff timing.”
Lamb production for FY25 reached 624,549 tonnes, down 4% on FY24, but still the second-highest ever. Carcase weights averaged 24.8kg, with heavier lambs offsetting slightly lower slaughter.
“We’re seeing heavier lambs being processed as producers respond to pasture limitations by finishing animals on grain earlier,” Ms Lukey said.
“This has helped maintain production levels even as slaughter numbers eased.”
The mutton kill hit 11.7 million head in FY25 – the highest since 2007 – with Victoria leading the charge, recording 4.4 million head, its biggest annual turnoff since 1981.
Western Australia also posted its strongest annual kill since 2008, although momentum slowed sharply in the June quarter.
“The mutton data reflects significant destocking pressure, particularly in southern regions,” Ms Lukey said.
Mutton production rose 12% year-on-year to 294,757 tonnes, with New South Wales and Victoria accounting for nearly three-quarters of output. But production dropped 20% in the June quarter, extending a slide from late 2024.
Average sheep carcase weights also slipped to 23.9kg – the lightest since early 2019 – with New South Wales averaging 26.2kg and Victoria 21.5kg.
“While production has eased, the overall financial year figures show how producers have managed through challenging conditions,” Ms Lukey said.
“It’s a reflection of the industry’s resilience and forward planning.”