Australia-Lamb production.

AUSTRALIA-Lamb production lifts as prices rise

Australian lamb production during February increased 4% year-on-year, to 37,460 tonnes cwt – the first significant year-on-year rise since April 2008 (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Lamb slaughter during the month rose 6% to 1.8 million head – more than offsetting a 2% fall in average lamb carcase weights for the month, to 21kg/head. The higher lamb slaughter during the month was due to strong demand in the US and Middle East and higher saleyard and over-the-hooks lamb prices enticing producers to market their lambs. Also contributing to the higher production during the month were tight sheep supplies across southern states which saw additional lambs move through plants to keep chains running at full capacity. Although lamb production increased in NSW, Victoria and South Australia due to the higher slaughter, it was curbed somewhat by lower average carcase weights as producers sold lambs at lighter weights to capitalise on high prices, while the dry conditions across the southern regions were also a factor. Lamb production in Victoria during February was unchanged year-on-year, at 15,820 tonnes cwt. Lamb production in NSW increased 11%, to 7,801 tonnes cwt while it rose in SA by 6%, to 7,929 tonnes. In stark contrast to mutton production in WA (which fell 38% in February), lamb production in the west during February lifted 4% year-on-year, to 4,407 tonnes cwt. The increase was due to a 4% rise in lamb slaughter (to 218,000 head) as carcase weights remained unchanged at 20.3kg/head. Tasmania recorded a 47% increase in lamb production during February, to 1,038 tonnes cwt – supported by a 45% jump in lamb slaughter and a 1% improvement in average lamb carcase weights, to 20.6kg/head (the only state to record higher carcase weights for the month). Queensland was the only state to record a fall in both lamb production and slaughter during February, dropping 17% (to 465 tonnes cwt) and 11% (to 24,000 head), respectively.