Financial year 2025 delivers historic highs for Australian beef, lamb and mutton production

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the latest statistics on livestock slaughtered and red meat production, which - according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) - has confirmed a historic period for the red meat sector.

Financial year 2024-2025 has seen beef production reach an all-time high, lamb slaughter maintained near-record levels, and mutton throughput surging to its highest volume since 2007.

MLA’s Acting Market Information Manager, Erin Lukey said the results reflect the strength, resilience, and strategic adaptability of Australian producers across diverse seasonal conditions.

“These results show that continued adoption of new technology and innovation on-farm, along with investments in supply chain efficiency, are continuing to pay dividends across the supply chain,” Ms Lukey said.

“Despite seasonal challenges in some parts of Australia, the industry has delivered record beef production and maintained strong lamb and mutton throughout.”

Cattle Sector Hits Historic Highs

Australia processed nearly 8.9 million head of cattle in the 2024–25 financial year, marking the third-largest annual slaughter since 1978 and the highest since the 2015 drought peak. Beef production also hit a record 2.75 million tonnes.

Strong Quarter for Eastern States

The June quarter saw over 2.3 million cattle processed—up 8% from the previous quarter. Queensland led with a 13% jump, while New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania recorded their strongest quarters in over a decade.

Record Feedlot Turnoff Boosts Output

Quarterly beef output hit a record 717,000 tonnes, driven by improved productivity and record feedlot turnoff. However, average carcase weights dipped to 307kg due to seasonal factors and more females in the mix.

Lamb Sector Holds Strong

Lamb slaughter for FY25 totalled 26 million head—the second-largest on record—despite a slight drop in the June quarter. Most states saw growth, with Tasmania posting its highest kill since 2016.

Heavier Lambs Offset Lower Slaughter

Lamb production reached 625,000 tonnes, just 4% down on last year. Heavier carcase weights, averaging 24.8kg, helped maintain volumes as producers adapted to dry conditions with earlier grain finishing.

Mutton Reflects Destocking Trend

Sheep slaughter rose to 11.7 million head—Victoria's highest since 1981—driven by southern destocking. Mutton production climbed 12% to nearly 295,000 tonnes, though carcase weights fell to their lowest in six years.

“While production has eased, the overall financial year figures show how producers have managed through challenging conditions,” Ms Lukey said.

“It’s a reflection of the industry’s resilience and forward planning.”