7218.0.55.001 - Livestock and Meat, Australia - Electronic Publication, Apr 2004  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 03/06/2004   
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APRIL KEY POINTS

TREND ESTIMATES

  • The trend estimate for sheep slaughterings rose for the eighth consecutive month, to 967,600. Recent rises in slaughter numbers reflect worsening climatic conditions across large areas of the eastern states. However, future rebuilding of the sheep flock is expected to dampen slaughter numbers.
  • The trend estimate for mutton production rose for the ninth consecutive month, to 20,400 tonnes. As a result of dry conditions, declining feed reserves are contributing to rising mutton production.
  • The trend estimate for lamb slaughterings rose for the eighth consecutive month, to 1.5 million.

APRIL KEY FIGURES

Seasonally
Trend
LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTERED
Original
adjusted
estimate
'000
'000
'000
Cattle
628.4
636.1
642.8
Calves
58.1
81.0
82.5
Sheep
936.6
994.4
967.6
Lambs
1,459.9
1,469.0
1,461.0
Pigs
441.2
451.4
459.7
Seasonally
Trend
MEAT PRODUCED
Original
adjusted
estimate
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
Beef
164,438
167,420
168,569
Veal
2,219
2,713
2,718
Mutton
18,986
20,672
20,424
Lamb
30,848
30,860
30,480
Pig meat
32,121
32,559
33,239


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.