Highest weekly cattle slaughter since 2019
Key points
- National cattle throughput has climbed above 158,528 head – the highest weekly slaughter figure since 2019.
- Slaughter jumped 27% week-on-week.
- Slaughter is 13% up compared to the same week last year.
Australia’s cattle slaughter is gathering momentum in 2026, with weekly processing volumes exceeding 158,000 head for the week ending 6 February.
The 158,528-head result represents a sharp increase week-on-week (WoW) and sits above the corresponding week last year. Based on available National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) records, this is the highest weekly slaughter figure since 2019 when Australia was in the grip of one of the worst droughts on record.
Importantly, the current uplift in slaughter is not being driven by widespread drought conditions. While parts of Victoria, SA and NSW continue to experience seasonal challenges, northern Australia is not facing broad-scale drought. The recent processing numbers were recorded despite forecasts of a major rainfall event across large areas of eastern Australia this week, suggesting the elevated turn-off is not weather-driven. Instead, it reflects the size of the national herd and producers’ capacity to market more animals. It also highlights sustained processor demand for finished stock.
The rise in early February slaughter largely reflects the industry returning to full operational capacity following Christmas plant closures and public holiday-shortened weeks in January. Seasonal breeder culling has also contributed to the increased throughput.
January slaughter volumes tracked marginally above 2025 levels – up just 0.1% year-to-date – moving in parallel with last year’s figures. However, the strength of the early February numbers is notable given that the figures for 2025 are expected to be one of the largest slaughter years in more than half a century.
Total cattle slaughter figures for are projected to exceed 9 million head, with official figures due for release next week. Early indications of final 2025 numbers suggest it may record the largest annual slaughter since the 1970s.
The recent jump in processing numbers indicates that 2026 could potentially rival – or even exceed –last year’s historically strong performance, provided cattle availability remains sufficient.
Global protein supply constraints continue to underpin strong demand for Australian beef, supporting processor appetite for slaughter-ready cattle.
Southern processors are also expected to remain active in northern markets throughout 2026, particularly as seasonal conditions in parts of Victoria and SA limit local supply. The movement of cattle from central and northern Australia into southern plants will help maintain national processing capacity and throughput levels.
Additionally, recent flooding in the Northern Gulf region has not materially disrupted the supply of processor-ready cattle, reinforcing the resilience of current supply chains.
Key data releases ahead
The coming week will deliver several important data releases, including detailed slaughter and production figures as well as updated feedlot sector statistics for the fourth quarter of 2025. These figures will provide greater clarity on the full-year performance of 2025 and offer valuable insight into the trajectory of the industry in 2026.
As the year unfolds, early indicators suggest the Australian cattle industry is entering 2026 with strong processing momentum and sustained global demand.
Attribute content to: Stephen Bignell, MLA Manager – Market Information.
Information is correct at time of publication 13 February 2026.
