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Lamb springs back into favour as demand soars
2 Sep 2003
Australia's shrinking sheep industry is under pressure following the drought, facing rising domestic demand for lamb and a rapid growth in exports to 105 countries.
Meat and Livestock Australia launched a campaign to increase lamb numbers following the wool market collapse. Sheep numbers have fallen from 173 million in 1990 to a forecast 98 million in 2004 - the smallest flock since 1948.
Lambs bred for meat were once a by-product of the wool industry, but now they're a valuable commodity in their own right. They're fetching record prices, which are being passed on to consumers.
After many years of per capita lamb consumption falling on the domestic market, in the last five years it has risen by 10 per cent. And it's being exported to 105 countries. In 2002, 17.4 million lambs were slaughtered, but this year that number is expected to fall to 16.2 million. Unless lamb supply is increased, producers risk losing market share in some key markets.
Meat and Livestock Australia hopes to see the current rate of about 75 lambs weaned per 100 ewes mated go up to 130 or even 140 per cent.
The Australian, 2/9/03, page 6.
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