Lamb slaughter down as producers rebuild flocks

According to Meat & Livestock Australia’s 2020 Sheep Industry Projections June update, the shift is due to improved seasonal conditions. However, despite predicted above-average rainfall between June and September for most of Australia, the impact of consecutive drought years will affect overall sheep and lamb supply in 2020. MLA senior market analyst Adam Cheetham said as producers looked to rebuild flocks and ewe lambs were retained, lamb slaughter was anticipated to decline to 20.6 million head — back five per cent on 2019 levels. “Similar to 2018 and 2019, supply is expected to be particularly tight during the winter months, given the depleted breeding ewe flock and fewer lambs on the ground,” Mr Cheetham said. “Lamb carcase weights are forecast to increase 0.6 kg/head on 2019 levels to 23.9 kg/head, assisted by improved feed availability, a greater number of lambs in lot feeding programs and strong price incentives to finish lambs to heavier weights.” Mr Cheetham said increasing weights would not offset the fall in slaughter.