B+LNZ South Island lamb crop update
Lambs tailed in the South Island decreased by an estimated 645,000 head (-6.4%) compared to 2023, largely due to fewer breeding ewes and lower ewe lambing percentage.
Dry conditions in Canterbury through summer and autumn affected ewe condition at mating, reducing reproductive performance.
High country flocks in Canterbury faced cold snaps and snowstorms, while persistent rain and cold in the Southern South Island impacted lamb survival. Throughout the island, losses were mitigated by excellent farm management.
Kate Acland, Chair of B+LNZ acknowledges “This year has tested the resolve of many South Island farmers. Despite the challenges, they worked tirelessly to save lambs, showing remarkable determination and resourcefulness.”
The sheep and beef farming sector is highly integrated with breeding farms, many of which are in the high country, and finishing farms having strong relationships. Many lambs are sold to finishing farms further downland, creating a vital connection in the farming system and integration through to processors and exporters within the red meat sector. The reduction in the number of lambs born on breeding farms is expected to impact finishing farms and reduce revenue for some farmers.
“The relationship between high country and finishing farms is an important part of the South Island’s lamb production,” says Acland.
South Island lamb processing in the first quarter is forecast to be nearly 25% lower than in 2023-24, however tighter global supply may lift export prices.
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