Eastern states indicative lamb slaughter increased in most states last week but was lower than the same time last year.
The rise was attributed to the return of a full processing week in most states, although lamb slaughter usually peaks in October as new season spring lambs continue to enter the market, as illustrated in the figure below.
Eastern states lamb slaughter was 402,756 head, down 2% year-on-year
Victoria at 193,983 head, down 4%
NSW at 100,965 head, steady
SA at 84,311 head, down 1%
Saleyard throughput, at MLA reported saleyards, last week (Monday-Thursday) also recorded a strong increase in most states and yardings were above year-ago levels at most centres.
NSW lamb throughput last week was 104,401 head, up 19% year-on-year
Victoria yarded 57,313 lambs, up 8%
SA recorded 30,267 lambs, back 11%
Sheep slaughter continued the same trend seen all year, with weekly eastern states slaughter lower (20%) year-on-year, at 128,040 head.
