Sheep slaughter soars in the seventh month

Slaughter

Lamb slaughter in July totalled just over 1.65 million head– 9% higher than year-ago levels. Numbers processed for the year-to-date (January-July) remain 4% lower year-on-year, at just over 12.65 million head (ABS).

Sheep slaughter in July saw a significant rise – up 15% from June and 59% year-on-year, to just above 480,000 head. For the year-to-date, however, the number of sheep processed tracked 6% last year’s level, at just under 3.77 million head. The rebuilding phase of the national flock has seen producers retain more lambs over the past two years, many of which are coming through the system now as hoggets and older sheep. This, as well as the dry conditions during winter, saw increased sheep turn off leading to spring.

Production

Lamb production for July totalled just above 38,000 tonnes carcase weight (cwt), up 16% year-on-year. The total volume for the year-to-date was 1% lower than the corresponding period last year, at close to 293,000 tonnes cwt – assisted by heavier carcases.

Mutton production for the month saw a marked increase on year-ago levels – up 69%, to 12,250 tonnes cwt. Total volumes for the year-to-date were 2% lower year-on-year, close to 93,000 tonnes cwt.

Deteriorating seasonal conditions during recent months have seen increased supplementary feeding of stock. This, combined with genetic improvements over time, have seen carcase weights continue the long-term upward trend. National lamb and sheep carcase weights for the year-to-date increased 2% and 5%, to average 23.14kg and 24.64kg/head, respectively.

To view a statistical summary of Australian sheep and lamb slaughter and production, please click here.