Record lamb carcase weights emerge amid tightening supply

28 Aug 2026

Key points

Overall sheep slaughter declined by 31% in 2025–26.

National lamb carcase weights reached a quarterly record of 26.7kg, exceeding mutton by 1.1kg.

Record sheep and lamb prices in the June quarter incentivised producers to use containment feeding.

The latest slaughter and production data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirmed the tightening supply of sheep and lambs available for processing during the last quarter.

According to June 2026 quarter data, average lamb carcase weights were 1.1kg heavier than mutton on the scale. Record sheep and lamb prices incentivised producers to utilise containment feeding for weightier lamb results.

Lamb slaughter and production

Lamb slaughter figures for FY2025–26 totalled 22.1 million head across the country – a decline of 15% in comparison to FY2024–25 and a further 19% decrease on the FY2023–24 kill record.

Total national slaughter numbers declined 9% since the March 2026 quarter and 22% since the previous June 2025 quarter. These figures were indicative of limited processor supply and the recent records across sheep indicators.

The National Trade Lamb Indicator (NTLI) reached its quarterly record in June 2026, averaging 1,189¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) as processors compete amid a tightening supply.

Production in the June quarter reached 140,995 tonnes, representing a 16% decline on the June 2025 quarter, resulting in an average carcase weight of 26.7kg (a record for lamb).

Carcase weights continue to rise as higher prices incentivise producers to feed for longer and adopt containment feeding practices.

Sheep slaughter and production

National sheep slaughter numbers reached 8 million head in FY2025–26, a 31% decline on the previous financial year. Tightened supply drove the Mutton Indicator to a record June quarter average of 822¢/kg cwt.

Mutton production in the latest June quarter dropped to 34,205 tonnes, a 43% decline on the June 2025 quarter.

Total mutton production for FY26 reached 209,685 tonnes, a 29% decline on the previous year.

Mutton carcase weights averaged 25.6kg in the June 2026 quarter, 1.1kg lighter than the average lamb carcase weights.

Total mutton carcase weights for FY26 averaged 25.64kg compared to 25.13kg for lamb – a difference of just 0.51kg.

Attribute content to: Alex Fry, MLA Market Information Analyst.      

Information is correct at time of writing on 28 August 2026.

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