The rise is largely attributed to higher prices for stock sold direct to works and at physical markets, and the influx of new season lambs during the month.

NSW recorded a 29pc increase in lamb slaughter during October and a 17pc rise in sheep slaughter when compared to numbers seen in October 2007.

While new season lambs are starting to taper off at markets in northern NSW, they are increasing at physical markets in the central west of the state, such as CTLX Carcoar.

Lamb slaughter in Victoria during October increased 15pc on last year's, with an influx of new season lambs in coming weeks, particularly at Hamilton and Bendigo, expected to boost lamb slaughter further.

Sheep slaughter in Victoria jumped 33pc on that of October 2007 and looks set to increase further during November as dry conditions persist across the north of the state.

SA lamb slaughter during the month lifted 34pc on that of September 2007 and 22pc on October 2007 numbers.

Sheep slaughter in the state increased 41pc on that of last October, while sheep and lamb slaughter in Queensland increased 10pc.