May 14, 2010

Beef and veal production in Australia reached 196,874 tonnes cwt in March, steady on-year after 8% declines from January to February.

Production for March declined 5% on-year in Queensland (90,047 tonnes cwt), as lower turnoff and increased competition from restockers and feeders resulted in fewer cattle to processors. However, the lower Queensland throughput was countered by an 8% lift in New South Wales (47,063 tonnes cwt), and 1% in Victoria (33,773 tonnes cwt). Production also rose 18% in South Australia (10,313 tonnes), 11% in Western Australia (29,351 tonnes) and 3% in Tasmania (4,938 tonnes), respectively.

However, production for Q1 2010 (January-March) finished 5% below on-year, at 497,815 tonnes cwt. Queensland was the main contributor to the decline, falling 11% on-year, to 208,306 tonnes cwt, as the very wet start to the year limited the cattle availability.

Male cattle slaughter for the March quarter declined 4% on-year to 914,000 head. Female slaughter contracted 8% over the same period, to 877,000 head, reflecting the combination of increased buying from restockers and reduced turnoff due to the better season. The reduced female supply was particularly evident in Victoria, where female slaughter declined 17% for the quarter, aided by much lower numbers of dairy cows coming forward on-year.

Adult cattle carcase weights averaged 275 kilogrammes per head in March - the highest monthly level since 2006 - with rejuvenated pastures resulting in a higher proportion of heavier cattle being slaughtered.