Australia: Export demand for mutton holds sheep slaughter strong as lamb numbers rise

Australia's livestock processing sector has witnessed diverse shifts in sheep and lamb slaughter dynamics as revealed by the latest slaughter index scores for November 2024. NSW and Victoria, as the key drivers of the nation's sheep meat processing, stand out with their distinct patterns. Meanwhile, other states like Tasmania and WA show intriguing trends that reflect regional dynamics. The slaughter index scores, which rank weekly processing volumes against a five-year historical benchmark, offer valuable insights into the evolving priorities of processors. While lamb slaughter is increasing across many states, sheep slaughter remains robust, reflecting strong export demand for mutton and ongoing supply pressures. In NSW, both sheep and lamb slaughter activity showed a dramatic rise. The sheep slaughter index climbed sharply from 71 per cent in October to 96pc in November, demonstrating a near-historic high in processing volumes. This surge highlights strong market demand for ...