Australia's lamb production expected to grow

MLA manager of market information Ben Thomas said: “Lamb turn-off has never been higher in Australia, which indicates lamb marking rates have improved considerably in recent years. This is the result of producers finishing lambs to slightly higher carcase weights.​

“The progressive growth of the Australian lamb industry is really highlighted by the sustained increases in turn-off as well as the weaker Australian dollar also helping bolster prices.​

“Remarkably, lamb exports have continued to track higher over the last two decades. After the first six months of the year, exports are up 4% on last year’s record, but this volume is also 31% above the five-year average and 42% above the ten-year average.”​

Key export markets​

Three key export markets: the US, Middle East and China would remain strong, taking 64% of all lamb exports, he predicted.

For the US, volumes are up 9% for the first six months of the year, despite high amounts of sheep meat in US cold stores. Shipments to the Middle East have already jumped 17%.
 
China has taken considerably less lamb compared to last year, yet the market still remains the third largest destination, taking 14% of lamb exports so far.

Lower mutton production​

Thomas said after two high slaughter years, the Australian sheep flock was estimated to be back at a core breeding size, resulting in lower mutton production and a decline in mutton exports to all major markets.

He said domestic lamb consumption also looked likely to remain pressured by global demand, with the increasing volume produced in the next five years expected to be destined for international markets.

“Australian lamb prices have averaged higher year-on-year across the board, but seasonal conditions and global demand will largely influence the strength of the market going forward,”​ Thomas said.