July 16, 2004

Australia's 2004/05 Cattle Slaughter Estimated At Lowest Level Since 1995/96

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) forecast the Australian cattle herd to rise by 2.3 percent in fiscal year 2004/05 to 26.9 million head. The increase is due to the beginning of herd rebuilding after the drought reduced herd size. Total cattle and calf slaughter during 2004/05 is estimated at 8.3 million head, the lowest level since 1995/96, and a decline of 4.4 percent.

However, total beef production is predicted to decline by only 1.7 percent as carcass weights are expected to increase with improved seasonal conditions. Meanwhile, ABARE forecast the sheep flock in Australia to increase 4.2 percent to 99 million head in 2004/05 as the result of improvement in seasonal conditions. Sheep slaughter is predicted to decline almost 19.0 percent in 2004/05 to 8.9 million head, the lowest level since 1983/84. As a result, mutton production is estimated to fall nearly 18.0 percent to the lowest level since 1984/85.

Source:  AMS/USDA