Monthly Market Report
AMPC's Monthly Market Report provides a succinct summary of market movements in livestock throughput, prices, exports as well as long range climate forecasts.
AUGUST 2026
Slaughter
Australian cattle slaughter has remained broadly steady through recent weeks, despite a modest late-July decline, while lamb throughput has started to recover as processors return from winter maintenance shutdowns. In contrast, sheep and mutton supply remains comparatively tight, with year-to-date mutton kills well below last year as improved seasonal conditions encourage producers to retain stock for flock rebuilding.
Livestock prices
Australian livestock prices have eased across cattle, sheep and goats. Cattle values have softened as drier conditions lift turnoff and export beef prices weaken, while lamb prices remain high but mixed as processor demand fluctuates around winter maintenance shutdowns. Mutton has come under stronger downward pressure, with prices easing across several saleyards, and goat prices are also facing pressure as drying pastoral conditions bring more supply forward.
Exports
Australian red meat exports remain historically strong, setting a new record for the 2025/26 financial year ($27 billion, ABARES). However export conditions continue to soften as winter production tightens and market access constraints intensify. Beef exports eased in July and have been sharply redirected away from China and South Kore following the triggering of safeguard tariffs. Lamb and mutton exports continue to benefit from solid demand, but tighter sheepmeat supply and flock rebuilding are limiting export availability.
Long Term Weather Forecast
The BOM outlook for August to October points to below-average rainfall across much of eastern and southern Australia, with an increased risk of unusually low rainfall in parts of the south-east and south-west. This raises the risk of tightening pasture growth, higher supplementary feeding needs and earlier turnoff decisions in drier regions. Above-average rainfall is more likely across north-west Australia and parts of the interior, although much of northern Australia remains in its dry-season period. Warmer-than-average temperatures across most areas south of the tropics may further lift pasture and water demand heading into spring.
September Rainfall Forecast
October Rainfall Forecast
Root Zone Soil Moisture
Hotter and dryer conditions will reduce deliver below average root zone soil moisture over much of the eastern and western Australia. September forecast is shown below.
