National Saleyard Survey reveals strong growth in livestock throughput across Australia

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has released the results of its 2024–25 National Saleyard Survey, revealing a significant increase in livestock transactions across Australian saleyards, with notable growth in both cattle and sheep consignments.
 
The annual survey, conducted by MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS), provides a comprehensive snapshot of saleyard activity for the financial year ending 30 June 2025. It captures data from 73 cattle and 35 sheep facilities across Australia.

Key national figures:

• Cattle transactions rose to 4.84 million head, up from 4.18 million in 2023-24.
• Sheep transactions increased to 16.39 million head, up from 14.09 million in 2023-24.

NLRS Operations Manager for MLA, Stephanie Pitt, said the results reflected a strong recovery in livestock movement and market confidence across the country. “This year’s survey highlights the resilience of Australia’s livestock sector, with most states recording year-on-year growth in saleyard throughput,” Ms Pitt said.
 
“The data also underscores the importance of regional saleyards in supporting producers, agents and buyers in a dynamic market environment.”

State highlights:

• New South Wales led the nation with 1.82 million cattle and 9.24 million sheep transacted, marking a 22.2% and 13.4% increase respectively.
• Queensland saw a 20.9% rise in cattle transactions, with Roma, Dalby and Charters Towers among the top-performing saleyards.
• Victoria transacted 1.16 million cattle and 4.84 million sheep, with strong growth in Ballarat, Bendigo and Leongatha.
• Western Australia posted the largest percentage increase in sheep transactions at 60.2%, driven by activity at Katanning and Muchea.
• Tasmania experienced a 23.1% rise in sheep transactions, while cattle numbers dipped slightly by 5.2%.

Top-performing saleyards (in terms of percentage increase):

• Dubbo Regional Livestock Market (NSW) saw a 31.9% increase in cattle throughput.
• Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange (NSW) recorded a 33.5% rise in sheep transactions.
• Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyard (WA) doubled its throughput, up 100.3% year-on-year.

 The full survey results, including detailed breakdowns by state and saleyard, are available at NLRS Saleyard Survey.