LAMB slaughter has been maintained at near-record levels and mutton throughput surged to its highest volume since 2007, according to the latest statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Meat & Livestock Australia has confirmed that the latest statistics on livestock slaughtered and red meat production point to a historic period for the red meat sector.

MLA’s acting market information manager, Erin Lukey, said the financial year 2024-2025 results reflect the strength, resilience, and strategic adaptability of Australian producers across diverse seasonal conditions.

“These results show that continued adoption of new technology and innovation on-farm, along with investments in supply chain efficiency, are continuing to pay dividends across the supply chain,” she said.

Lamb sector holds strong despite seasonal challenges

Lamb slaughter totalled 26.06 million head in FY25, marking the second-largest financial year on record. The latest quarter saw a slight 2pc decline quarter-on-quarter, the full-year figures demonstrate sustained strength across most states.

New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania all recorded quarterly increases, with Tasmania up 18 percent to its highest kill since June 2016. Victoria recorded an 8pc decline, attributed to earlier turnoff decisions and dry seasonal 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.”

FY25 lamb production reached 624,549 tonnes, down 4pc on FY24, but still the second-largest annual output. Heavier carcase weights, averaging 24.8kg, helped offset lower slaughter volumes.

“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.”

Mutton sector reflects southern destocking trends

In FY25, 11.7 million head of sheep were processed, the highest volume since FY07, with Victoria’s 4.4 million head marking its largest annual turnoff since 1981. Western Australia also posted its highest annual kill since 2008, despite a sharp slowdown in the June quarter.

“The mutton data reflects significant destocking pressure, particularly in southern regions,” Ms Lukey said.

Mutton production for the year rose 12pc year-on-year to 294,757 tonnes, with New South Wales and Victoria accounting for 73pc of national output. Q2 production fell 20pc, continuing a downward trend from the Q4 2024 peak.

Average sheep carcase weights declined to 23.9kg, the lightest since Q1 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.”

Source – MLA.