Australian Cattle Transactions Rise as Sheep Volumes Fall
The 2025-26 financial year saw a 7.4 percent increase in national cattle throughput as sheep transactions dropped by 11.6 percent.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Agriculture
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Australian cattle saleyard transactions increased by 7.4 percent during the 2025-26 financial year, reaching a total of 5.18 million head. Conversely, national sheep transactions declined by 11.6 percent, falling by 1.9 million head compared to the previous period.
Why it matters
These figures highlight shifting livestock production trends across Australia, reflecting varied regional performance in agricultural markets. The data provides a clear picture of how different states are adjusting their saleyard throughput during the current economic climate.
The National Livestock Reporting Service recorded 5.18 million cattle transactions and 14.5 million sheep transactions for the year ending 30 June 2026. Queensland reported a 21.6 percent increase in cattle growth, while Victoria experienced a 25.3 percent decline in sheep volume.
The players
Meat & Livestock Australia
This service organisation provides marketing and research services for the Australian livestock industry.
National Livestock Reporting Service
This body operates under Meat & Livestock Australia to track and report on livestock market data across the nation.
The details
The survey, conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service, tracked activity across various states including significant growth in New South Wales cattle and Western Australia sheep transactions. Roma Saleyards emerged as a key site with 362,051 cattle transactions recorded.
Timeline
The 2025-26 financial year served as the primary reporting period for livestock activity.
Data collection for the survey concluded on 30 June 2026.
Market Landscape
This report follows the long-term data collection pattern set by Meat & Livestock Australia's National Livestock Reporting Service for the Australian red meat industry. The figures reflect the competitive environment of agricultural supply chains and shifting regional production capacities across the states.
These shifts in saleyard volumes may influence local market prices for red meat and livestock products across the country. Readers involved in the agricultural supply chain should monitor these regional trends to understand potential changes in availability and supply costs.
The takeaway
The diverging trends between cattle and sheep sectors suggest that producers are navigating complex and distinct market environments. Stakeholders should utilise this data to anticipate regional supply fluctuations and adjust their operational strategies accordingly.
Further reading
For broader trends in the sector, visit the Australia Agriculture section.
More information
Read the complete 2025-26 Saleyard Survey report.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLA Corporate.
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