There was a marked contraction in the Southern Hemisphere sheep flock as of June 2009, largely the result of prolonged drought conditions. Australian sheep numbers were at the lowest level for more than 90 years but the rate of decline is expected toslow in 2010. New Zealand flock numbers also declined but this trend is forecast to reverse during 2010. Lamb production in Australia is forecast to increase by two per cent in 2010 principally due to an ongoing shift towards prime lamb production from wool production. Tight global supplies and robust demand from the Middle East is expected to strengthen export demand for Australian lamb. However, Australian live sheep exports are forecast to fall 13 per cent in 2010, to 3.1 million head as the strong Australian dollar will continue to make Australian sheep more expensive for overseas customers.
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