7218.0.55.001 - Livestock and Meat, Australia - Electronic Publication, Sep 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 31/10/2003   
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SEPTEMBER KEY POINTS


TREND ESTIMATES

  • The trend estimate for sheep slaughterings fell for the twelfth consecutive month, to 659,300. This was the lowest monthly figure recorded since January 1984. Low supply as a result of the drought has resulted in continuing pressure on slaughter numbers.
  • Mutton production fell for the twelfth consecutive month, to 13,800 tonnes. While lower numbers sent to slaughter continue to result in lower mutton production, there have been reports of improved sheep quality. The September 2003 trend estimate was also the lowest monthly figure recorded since January 1984.
  • The trend estimate for cattle slaughterings fell for the tenth consecutive month, to 626,700. Current slaughtering levels continue to be influenced by the large volume of stock sent to slaughter throughout 2002.


SEPTEMBER KEY FIGURES


Seasonally
Trend
LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTERED
Original
adjusted
estimate
'000
'000
'000

Cattle
660.0
636.2
626.7
Calves
183.8
83.9
77.8
Sheep
712.2
670.0
659.3
Lambs
1,312.8
1,279.0
1,238.3
Pigs
455.8
465.6
475.0

Seasonally
Trend
MEAT PRODUCED
Original
adjusted
estimate
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

Beef
167,847
158,227
156,690
Veal
4,798
2,776
2,586
Mutton
15,451
14,205
13,773
Lamb
26,356
26,368
24,999
Pig meat
33,218
33,690
34,618



NOTES


INTRODUCTION

This publication presents statistics on livestock slaughterings and meat production. These statistics are based on a monthly collection from abattoirs and other major slaughtering establishments. More detailed information on this series can be obtained by contacting the ABS or by referring to the quarterly ABS publication Livestock Products, Australia (cat. no. 7215.0).

For more information about these and related statistics, contact John Moody on Hobart 03 6222 5867, or the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.