News

NZ lamb production set to decline for second consecutive year

Sheep Central, November 7, 2016

Sheep- NZ -Nithdale-StationNEW Zealand lamb production has declined 3 percent this season, to close at 371,900 tonnes for the 2015-2016 season.

And Beef + Lamb NZ anticipated lower lamb exports for 2016-17, at 291,000 tonnes as production reduced.

Meat & Livestock Australia said in September this year, New Zealand lamb production decreased 6pc from production in the same month last year, to 15,991 tonnes.

Total NZ lamb slaughter for the season from October 2015 to September 2016 was 5pc lower at just over 20.2 million head processed, underpinned by lower availability.

NZ lamb exports were largely supported by solid demand from China under the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), finishing marginally higher for the October to September period at just over 303,100 tonnes.

Compared to the previous year, lamb exports to China increased 11pc to 96,412 tonnes, UK shipments increased 1pc to 60,080 tonnes and volumes to the United States decreased 2pc to 19,199 tonnes. New Zealand exported 17,227 tonnes of lamb to German last season, a 5pc reduction and 15,780 tonnes to the Netherlands, a 20pc increase.

MLA said as highlighted in Beef + Lamb NZ’s New Season Outlook, a rebuilding NZ sheep flock and reduced lamb crop forecast in 2016-17 will reportedly contribute to a 2pc decline in lamb production in the upcoming season – to 357,700 tonnes.

Click here for details on NZ lamb production and slaughter since 2010.

Sources: MLA, Statistics NZ

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