National saleyard survey results released for 2024

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has today released the results of the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) 2023–2024 Saleyard Survey.

According to NLRS Operations Manager for MLA, Stephanie Pitt, the survey, reported voluntarily for the financial year, aims to inform industry of saleyard throughput across all states, except the Northern Territory.

“In the 2024 financial year, there were just over 18.5 million transactions made across sheep and cattle, an increase of 2.1 million livestock compared to the previous financial year,” Ms Pitt said.

“There were significant increases of livestock transacted across the country, with the largest percentage changes seen in Tasmanian cattle (28.6%), South Australian cattle (27.6%) and Victorian cattle (26.5%).

“The biggest changes in sheep were seen in Victorian sheep (+14.8%), New South Wales sheep (+14.7%) and Western Australian sheep (+11%).

“Cattle throughput in Western Australia and Queensland fell in the financial year, falling 3.4% and 1.1% respectively.”

Livestock throughput information can inform investment, strategic direction of saleyards, as well as highlighting the social, economic and cultural value saleyards provide to rural and regional communities.

The cyclical nature of the herd and flock rebuilds alongside changing market conditions can be attributed to adjustments in livestock supply via the saleyards as producers choose different sales channels to market their stock.

To view the fully report and for more information, please visit NLRS Saleyard Survey.