Broadly stable
Australia Meat Production per Capita moved from 207.4 Kilogram in 2015 to 208.8 Kilogram in 2024 (+0.6%), an average of +0.1% a year. The series high was 208.8 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 170.3 Kilogram in 2021.
What Australia Meat Production per Capita shows
Australia Meat Production per Capita was 208.8 Kilogram in 2024, up 9.2% on 2023. Australia’s meat production per capita experienced fluctuations between 2015 and 2024, reflecting changes in livestock production cycles, climatic conditions, export demand, herd rebuilding activities, and market conditions affecting the agricultural sector.
A 18.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2021) is 38.44 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +11.6% in 2023.
Ranks 3 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, Australia ranks 3 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so Australia is above it.
Full series
Australia Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 208.8 | +9.2% |
| 2023 | 191.2 | +11.6% |
| 2022 | 171.3 | +0.6% |
| 2021 Trough | 170.3 | −3.7% |
| 2020 | 176.9 | −7.5% |
| 2019 | 191.3 | +0.7% |
| 2018 | 189.9 | +5.2% |
| 2017 | 180.5 | −6.5% |
| 2016 | 193.1 | −6.9% |
| 2015 | 207.4 | — |
Regional context
How Australia compares across countries
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. Australia is highlighted.
1Denmark268.3
2Ireland220.9
3Australia208.8
4Spain157.9
5Netherlands147.5
6Argentina140.7
7Brazil139.8
8U.S.138.4
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity.
The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data indicates that meat production per capita decreased slightly from 207.43 kilograms in 2015 to 208.78 kilograms in 2024, although significant variations occurred throughout the period. The indicator highlights Australia’s strong position as a major global meat producer and its highly developed livestock industry.
During the initial period from 2015 to 2018, Australia’s meat production per capita showed a declining trend. Production decreased from 207.43 kilograms in 2015 to 189.89 kilograms in 2018, mainly influenced by livestock production adjustments, drought conditions, and changes in herd availability. In 2019, production increased slightly to 191.27 kilograms, indicating early signs of recovery within the livestock sector.
Between 2020 and 2022, meat production per capita continued to decline before stabilizing. Production decreased from 176.86 kilograms in 2020 to 170.34 kilograms in 2021, followed by a marginal increase to 171.33 kilograms in 2022. These changes reflected the impact of climatic challenges, livestock supply adjustments, and global market conditions affecting meat production.
A strong recovery occurred during 2023 and 2024. Meat production per capita increased from 191.22 kilograms in 2023 to 208.78 kilograms in 2024, reaching the highest level of the analyzed period. This improvement was supported by increased livestock availability, favorable production conditions, and stronger industry recovery.
Overall, Australia’s meat production per capita trends demonstrate the resilience and global competitiveness of its livestock industry. The indicator provides valuable insights into agricultural productivity, production cycles, and export-oriented meat sector performance. Continued investment in sustainable livestock management, climate adaptation strategies, and efficient production systems will remain important for maintaining Australia’s leadership in the global meat industry.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- Australia
- Region
- Oceania
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- October 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is Australia Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
What was Australia Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
Australia Meat Production per Capita was 208.8 Kilogram in 2024, up 9.2% on 2023.
How has Australia Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
Australia Meat Production per Capita moved from 207.4 Kilogram in 2015 to 208.8 Kilogram in 2024 (+0.6%), an average of +0.1% a year. The series high was 208.8 Kilogram in 2024 and the low 170.3 Kilogram in 2021.
Which year had the highest and lowest Australia Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 208.8 Kilogram in 2024 and the lowest was 170.3 Kilogram in 2021.
What does the Australia Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity. Excluded: The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
Where does the Australia Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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