Australian Meat Output Down in January

SYDNEY - Mar 6/06 - SNS -- Decreased cattle slaughter activity in Australia in January resulted in a drop in meat output in the country, even though a gain in sheep slaughter activity resulted in an increase in the total number of animals processes, according to the latest data available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Discussing the latest numbers, ABS said, "The trend estimate for lamb slaughterings fell for the sixth consecutive month, to 1.5 million. This was the lowest figure recorded since March 2005.

"The trend estimate for lamb meat production fell for the sixth consecutive month, to 30,800 metric tons (MT). This was the lowest figure recorded since February 2005. The trend estimate for cattle slaughterings rose for the third consecutive month, to 620,800. This was the highest figure recorded since July 2005.

"The trend estimate for beef production rose for the fourth consecutive month, to 168,800 MT. This was the highest figure recorded since July 2005."

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