Back to Main Sheep And Lamb Numbers To Increase

• Published: 2008-12-09 10:26:43

  Live sheep exports have risen in the first nine months of 2008 by 19% when compared with last year’s figures. There was also a rise in sheep slaughter numbers for the same period.
  
  WA sheep were key contributors to these numbers, making up 75% of the live export numbers, and WA sheep slaughter increased 23%, year on year. This is reflected in a significant reduction in the WA sheep flock. Numbers for the year ending June 30, 2008, were 18.4 million head which was a reduction of 13%.
  
  Such dramatic drops in flock numbers, was leading to questions regarding the future ability of sheep for the live export trade. WA is best positioned to supply the live export trade, with large flocks and geographic proximity.
  
  Poor results and higher risks in cereal cropping and summer rainfall may help to turn this around. Demand for restockers is increasing as producers are turning sheep and lambs onto recently harvested crops where regrowth is evident. Lamb yardings are increasing across the country, and especially in WA, while sheep numbers are falling, a good sign for supply in upcoming seasons.
  
  New Zealand flock numbers have declined by 15% in the last year, due to drought and the expansion of the dairy industry. While weather conditions have been increasingly favorable lately there will be an expected reduction in processed exports of 23.2%, year on year, for the 08-09 season.
  
  Improved feed and pasture conditions in Australia and a reduced New Zealand exporting presence, are strong future indicators for the sheep market.
  

  Tags: Sheep ,  Livestock ,  Lambs , 

  

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