Red meat export wrap – October 2021
04 November 2021
Key points:
- Lamb exports for October declined by 10% to 19,726 tonnes swt, the lowest level since January
- Beef volumes also declined by 6%, equalling 74,333 tonnes swt
- Mutton and goat exports lifted 3% and 4%, respectively
Mixed results for red meat exports in October
Mixed export results have emerged between proteins for the month of October, with mutton and goat lifting at the expense of beef and lamb. Mutton and goat increased by 3% and 4%, respectively, largely driven by the US and Canada, with mutton exports achieving 14,403 tonnes swt for the month. Beef in October achieved a total of 74,333 tonnes swt, down 6% from September levels. Lamb declined 10% to 19,726 tonnes swt, the lowest level since January this year.
Dwindling lamb slaughter volumes in October contributed to the demise, along with processor disruptions and a delayed spring flush, despite numbers lifting by 23% since September. October levels in 2020 and 2019 reached 24,152 and 26,383 tonnes, respectively. October is typically the largest or second largest month for Australian lamb exports, highlighting the significance of recent figures.
Young lamb throughput varies across Australia
Young lamb volumes have increased in October, with older lambs on the decline.
Below are regional breakdowns of lambs entering saleyards. The north-west slopes and plains in NSW and central west NSW have declined, with most other regions lifting last month. The southern tablelands more than doubled, similar to WA. Parts of SA and the Riverina lifted in throughput. South-west Victoria lifted by 153%, highlighting further progression for the region, which is typically the latest to peak.
