Australian poultry production is forecast to increase by two per cent in 2012–13 to 1,105,000 tonnes. Forecast higher production is largely in response to increased consumer demand for poultry, in part as a result of relatively higher retail prices for beef, lamb and pork. Over the medium term, production is projected to increase by around two per cent a year to 1,210,000 tonnes by 2016–17. Prices for poultry are expected to remain favourable compared with other meats at retail outlets.

Poultry consumption is forecast to rise by one per cent to 45.5kg per person in 2012–13. Over the projection period, consumption is projected to grow by one per cent a year to 46.4kg per person by 2016–17. Poultry is expected to remain Australia’s most consumed meat (on a carcass weight equivalent basis) over the medium term.

Productivity in the Australian poultry industry has improved significantly over the past decade. Improved genetic stock has contributed to higher fertility, feed conversion rates and average carcass weights. Between 2000–01 and 2010–11, average chicken slaughter weights increased by 19 per cent to 1.85kg a head. This improvement in productivity is likely to continue over the medium-term.

In 2012–13, poultry exports are forecast to increase by three per cent to 41,000 tonnes (shipped weight), with Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and South Africa accounting for around three-quarters of total shipments. While export shipments are projected to increase somewhat over the medium term, most Australian poultry production will be consumed domestically.

Further Reading

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