August 28, 2024

Australia's female cattle slaughter ratio rose to 53.1%, according to latest quarterly statistics

The latest quarterly statistics on livestock slaughtered and meat production from the Australian Bureau of Statistics have shown that the female slaughter ratio (FSR) for the Australian cattle herd has lifted to 53.1%, which places the industry in a destock phase, Beef Central reported on August 22.

The increase in the FSR came alongside a 17% lift in cattle slaughter to 2.1 million head for the June quarter, the highest seen since the 2019 drought.

MLA senior market information analyst Erin Lukey said the ABS data showed that the FSR had increased across the country.The industry uses 47% FSR as a benchmark as to whether the industry is in a restock, steady or destocking phase. A quarterly FSR of 53% is the second consecutive quarter above this benchmark, which indicates the cattle herd has entered a destocking period.

"The ABS data has revealed lifts to FSR across all states which has lifted to its highest female turnoff since 2019, and the largest quarter on quarter lift to their FSR among other states," Lukey said. "Thanks to four consecutive years that have allowed for rebuild and maintenance, the Australian cattle herd is high when compared to historic averages. Cow retention over this time has created a large female herd, which are now ready for turnoff."

Saleyard prices remained well above year-ago levels, as strong demand for Australian beef in the global market helps to maintain confidence as production rises. The increase in cattle slaughter has consequently led to an elevated beef production quarter as well.

Beef production rose 14% from the March quarter and 19% from the June quarter last year, to 648,763 tonnes. This is the largest quarterly production total since 2015, and the fourth-highest volume on record.

- Beef Central