In early 2025, Australian cattle and lamb slaughter rates have surged dramatically as farmers respond to challenging environmental conditions, ranging from drought to flooding. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, cattle slaughter reached 2.2 million in the first quarter, marking a significant 20 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge represents the highest quarterly slaughter rates in Victoria since 1979 and in New South Wales since 2015.
In South Australia, producers faced severe drought, leading to a 16 per cent rise in slaughter numbers—the highest level recorded since 2017. Notably, female cattle slaughter reached 52.7 per cent of the total, especially prominent in South Australia and Victoria. This trend suggests that many producers are struggling to sustain their breeding stock levels.
However, Stephen Bignell, the market information manager at Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), advises that this does not indicate a widespread liquidation of herds. He explains that the increased slaughter rate of female cattle reflects specific regional reactions to ongoing seasonal pressures, particularly in drought-affected southern regions. Contrastingly, some areas, like Queensland, are experiencing beneficial conditions, leading to stock retention and even herd expansion.
Beef production for the quarter also rose by three per cent, totalling 679,000 tonnes, with South Australia witnessing a notable growth of 16 per cent. Meanwhile, lamb slaughter hit the second highest levels recorded, totalling 6.86 million, with Victoria contributing over half at 3.83 million slaughtered. New South Wales followed with 1.48 million lambs, an increase of 27 per cent compared to the prior period.
Although sheep slaughter decreased by 14 per cent from the previous quarter, it still surpassed last year’s figures by seven per cent. The total gross value of sheep and lamb slaughter for the quarter stood at an impressive $1.58 billion, highlighting the significant economic impact of these slaughter rates despite ongoing environmental challenges.
This complex landscape indicates that while some regions are experiencing tough times leading to increased slaughter and destocking, others are adapting successfully, reflecting the variability of conditions across the country. The situation underscores the resilience of the agriculture sector in the face of diverse climatic adversities and market demands.