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Mutton losing its flavour
31 Aug 2004
Victoria completed one of its smallest-ever weekly adult sheep slaughters last week, processing just 23,356 head. From 1975 to 1980 and in 1991, 4.6 million head were processed in Victoria each year. The reasons for the decline in the past include the closure of Newmarket saleyards, union problems in the 1970s and 1980s, and the removal of the wool support scheme. More recently, the reason is marketing problems, as mutton supplies have become very scarce.
Ararat Meat Exports, one of Victoria's largest export mutton processors, says mutton has become almost impossible to sell into main export markets like the Middle East, as China and other countries are selling cheaper-valued mutton and lamb into these markets. Meat and Livestock Australia's Peter Weeks agreed that there's a seasonal lull in Middle East demand but with Ramadan approaching the MLA expects demand to increase soon. Mr Weeks also agreed, however, that times could remain tough for mutton processors. National slaughter has fallen 35 per cent in the past three years, with states such as Victoria hit severely.
Stock & Land, 30/8/04.
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