Livestock saleyards record strong growth in 2024-25

New data shows Australia’s saleyards are busier than ever, with livestock throughput rising significantly over the past financial year.

Meat & Livestock Australia’s 2024–25 National Saleyard Survey shows cattle transactions reached 4.84 million head – up from 4.18 million last year – while sheep transactions surged to 16.39 million, up from 14.09 million.

MLA’s NLRS Operations Manager Stephanie Pitt, said the data highlights industry strength. “This year’s survey highlights the resilience of Australia’s livestock sector, with most states recording year-on-year growth in saleyard throughput,” she said.

New South Wales led the way, transacting 1.82 million cattle and more than 9.2 million sheep. Queensland and Victoria also recorded strong gains, while Western Australia posted the largest percentage jump in sheep sales – up 60.2 per cent.

Top-performing saleyards included Dubbo in NSW, with a 31.9 per cent increase in cattle, and Katanning in WA, where sheep throughput more than doubled.

The survey covers 73 cattle and 35 sheep saleyards nationwide. Full results, including state-by-state breakdowns, are available on the NLRS website.