The latest figures suggest the cattle herd is in an official destock, despite soaring production. 

The Bureau of Statistics data has found the last quarter saw the largest slaughter rate in nearly a decade. 

While more than a million tonnes has been produced, the third highest on record behind 2014 and 2015

Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick caught  up with Meat and Livestock Australia Spokesman Stephen Bignell to discuss the data.