Tuesday, 02 April 2013 15:18

LAMB | Lamb space still jammed, but holes appearing

Written by 

Last week lamb prices remained stable with most at $4.30-4.40/kg (gross). Lamb space has still been pretty jammed up but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel now.

Bookings in front are sliding and holes are expected to be evident in the kill after the two short weeks over Easter. This will especially be the case if it rains again between now and then. Some winter lamb contracts have also been released which, along with some rain, is providing some confidence in the lamb market going forward. One contract has a minimum price of $4.90 in June, rising to $5.50 by September. It's now much more certain that we've hit the bottom of the price slide and one North Island company has already lifted its schedule.

2013-04-02 1518 001

China strong on bone-in items

NZ mutton exports have skyrocketed on the back of increased North Is slaughter rates with Feb exports totalling 14,100 tonnes, a 75% increase on last year. Strong demand from China has seen them take over half our Feb mutton supplies and despite these volumes, prices have remained fully firm. Chinese purchases have included decent quantities of lamb and mutton bone items which are used in hotpots. This has improved NZ exporter profits as in the past many of these items would be worth virtually nothing with much of it turned into meat & bone meal or rendered.

iFarm_logo_strap_V_rgb_EMAIL2

Market Briefs by iFarm.co.nz

iFarm the leading source of agri-market prices, information and analysis for NZ farmers. Receive benchmark prices for the works, store and saleyard markets delivered direct to your inbox. Visit www.ifarm.co.nz or call 0508 873 283.

 

Featured

Editorial: Right call

OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.

Owl Farm marks 10 years as NZ’s first demonstration dairy farm

In 2015, the signing of a joint venture between St Peter's School, Cambridge, and Lincoln University saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Owl Farm as the first demonstration dairy farm in the North Island. Ten years on, the joint venture is still going strong.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter