Aust, meat output falls

Press, 20 August 1984, Page 30

Aust, meat output falls

NZPA-AAP Sydney Australian meat exports dropped 28.3 per cent to 571,216 tonnes in 1983-84, from 796,195 tonnes in 1982-83, reflecting reduced supplies because of the drought and less overseas demand, according to the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation (AMLC). Over all, domestic demand for red meat also fell substantially, as retail prices rose in response to the reduced availability of sheep and cattlemeat. Exports of beef and veal fell to 439,251 tonnes from 578,793 tonnes (24.1 per cent below the previous year), 83 per cent of exports going to three major markets: the United States (down 23.9 per cent to 239,415

tonnes), Japan (up 0.3 per cent to 87,476 tonnes), and South Korea (down 54.7 per cent to 37,065 tonnes). Mutton shipments in 1983-84 were more than halved to 57,515 tonnes from 124,027 in 1982-83 (down 53.6 per cent), while lamb exports eased to 31,710 from 33,813 tonnes, down 6.2 per cent. Lamb exports to the Middle East accounted for 51 per cent of the total Australian shipment, but the tonnage was down nearly 30 per cent on the previous year, to 16,157 tonnes. Pigmeat exports rose 2.4 per cent to 1347 tonnes, with Papua New Guinea and New Zealand purchasing 61 per cent The AMLC, in its latest

monthly economic summary, said Australian meat production declined significantly in 1983-84 as producers retained stock to rebuild drought-de-pleted herds and to take advantage of remarkably good pastoral conditions. Mutton production fell 38 per cent, beef and veal 16 per cent, but lamb production rose slightly (0.4 per cent) and pork provided increased competition for other meats as production rose by 4.9 per cent Over all, per capita red meat consumption in 1983-84 dropped 6.2 per cent, from 81kg to 76kg. Domestic pork consumption increased 6.7 per cent, to an annual average of 16.4 kg per head.