Australia-Lowest sheep numbers since 1920.

AUSTRALIA.

SHEEP NUMBERS LOWEST SINCE 1920.

The national sheep flock in Australia is down to 80 million, the lowest figure since 1920, despite record prices for lambs.

In 2007 there were 19.2 million sheep were slaughtered, yielding 404,000 tons of lamb and mutton.

The heavier carcass weights for the brisk trade with the USA, should see production up to 458,000 tons for next year, however the increased slaughter of young ewes and pregnant ewes is causing great concern.

The nation flock will be down to 75 million by 2011, if the trend continues.