Mutton prices drop 69 cents as spring sheep surge fails to arrive
Australian mutton prices have fallen 69 cents per kilogram but the expected spring slaughter surge has not yet materialised nationally.
September's Sheep and Lamb Slaughter Index shows a mixed picture across Australia's regions. Western Australia's sheep slaughter rose to 41 per cent from 26 per cent in August.
South Australia also strengthened to 45 per cent. NSW tightened noticeably to 18 per cent while Victoria remained flat.
Lamb supply is messier. NSW dropped sharply to 26 per cent while Western Australia climbed to 43 per cent.
Mutton prices fell 69 cents to about 798 cents per kilogram. Processor lamb prices also fell broadly.
But these price drops aren't driven by supply surging. Instead, buyers are unwilling to pay high prices as overseas demand weakens.
- 69 cents per kilogram
- Price decline
- 798 cents per kilogram
- New mutton price
- 26% to 41%
- WA sheep slaughter change
- 81% to 26%
- NSW lamb slaughter change
Why it mattersProcessors are backing away from inflated winter prices even as supply remains limited, signalling a shift from scarcity-driven to demand-constrained markets.
AustraliaFarmers and livestock producers face weaker returns as processors resist higher costs, affecting farm income despite continued supply pressure in some regions.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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