December 8, 2010

Australian October beef output up 7.5% on-month

Australia's beef production rose 7.5% on-month in October to a seasonally adjusted 176,303 tonnes, also rising 4.9% on-year, reported the government's Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday (Dec 7).

The total number of cattle slaughtered in October, excluding calves, reached 619,241, up 4.2% from September and up 1.5% on-year.

Australia exports two-thirds of its beef production to the major markets of Japan, the US, South Korea and Southeast Asian nations, with the level of exports closely tied to production.

Australian pig meat production for October is 27,744 tonnes, slight lower than the previous month with 28, 503 tonnes. In October 2009, output of pig meat is at 27, 978 tonnes, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The bureau does not explain movements in the figures.