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13 August 2020
Adult cattle slaughter eased further in June, but a high percentage of female slaughter continues to delay a herd rebuild.

14 March 2017
Retention of females underpins cattle slaughter contraction

21 June 2023
In a previous article published in late March, MLA’s Market Information team forecast that cattle slaughter rates in April would decline sharply (April 2023 being the shortest working month since 2017). The team also predicted that slaughter rates would rebound strongly in May.

12 August 2015
The Indonesian government has announced that the state logistics agency BULOG will bring in 50,000 head of ready-to-slaughter cattle, in response to a beef shortage and soaring prices in the market.

25 October 2016
Over-the-hook cattle indicators across the eastern states continued to move lower this week (ending 28th October), with a lift in cattle supplies across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria underpinning the downward trend. In Queensland, compared to last week; • Trade yearling steers (240-260kg, A-C muscle) averaged 540¢ – back 14¢/kg cwt • Heavy yearling steers (300-320kg, A-C muscle) averaged 555¢ – back 14¢/kg cwt • Heavy MSA yearling steers (300-320kg, A-C muscle) averaged 565¢ – back 13¢/kg cwt • Medium grown steers (260-280kg, A-C muscle) averaged 539¢ – back 14¢/kg cwt • Heavy cows (300-400kg, A-D muscle) averaged 496¢ – back 19¢/kg cwt In New South Wales; • Trade yearling steers averaged 562¢ – down 14¢/kg cwt • Heavy yearling steers averaged 573¢ – down 14¢/kg cwt • Heavy MSA yearling steers averaged 604¢ – down 17¢/kg cwt • Medium grown steers averaged 557¢ – down 13¢/kg cwt • Heavy cows averaged 497¢ – down 20¢/kg cwt In Victoria; • Trade yearling steers averaged 579¢ – back 21¢/kg cwt • Heavy yearling steers averaged 573¢ – back 21¢/kg cwt • Medium grown steers averaged 574¢ – back 21¢/kg cwt • Heavy cows averaged 470¢ – back 13¢/kg cwt Following widespread and, in some parts heavy, rainfall across key supply regions during September, drier conditions of late have seen cattle availability increase. Eastern states cattle slaughter has continued to lift during October, as access to both saleyards and processing plants reportedly improve and in line with the seasonal trend. Last week (ending 21st October), Queensland cattle slaughter was 9% higher than the week prior, at just over 68,900 head – with the female kill up 17%, at 25,000 head. Victorian cattle slaughter was 2% higher week-on-week, at just shy of 19,600 head, while processing in New South Wales was relatively unchanged, at 27,138 head. Additionally, trading activity in the US imported beef market remains reportedly quiet, due to lower domestic US beef prices and reduced overseas supplies. The US 90CL cow beef indicator averaged 203US¢ so far in October – down 25 US¢/lb CIF on the same time last year.

14 November 2018
Cattle and sheep slaughter and production

06 July 2015
In a similar situation to that facing the US, Canadian cattle slaughter has declined markedly this year. This is a key reason behind a large increase in Australian beef exports to Canada in 2015 to 23,000 tonnes swt after 6 months.

15 November 2016
Cattle slaughter across the eastern states (excluding Western Australia) hit a 22-week high last week, at just under 134,000 head....

26 August 2021
For the week ending 20 August, eastern states’ cattle slaughter achieved that ever so elusive 100,000 mark, hitting 100,062 head....

08 March 2024
Carcase weight movements between male and female cattle over 2023 varied significantly, primarily influenced by producers’ decision-making priorities in a non-drought year.