More breeding ewes reported for Spring

AUSTRALIAN sheep producers have reported a total breeding flock of 42.5 million head, an increase of 500,000 ewes since last year, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Wool Innovation’s (AWI) Wool and Sheepmeat Survey Report for June.

There were 22 million lambs on hand reported by Australian producers. Merinos made up 55 per cent of the total lamb flock, at 12 million head, followed by First Cross and Pure Meat lambs (accounting for 19 per cent and 17 per cent of the national lamb flock respectively).

The breeding ewe population was largest in the Great Southern region of Western Australia at 5.6m, Central West NSW at 5.0m and Southeast NSW at 4.8m. While the number of lambs on hand in the survey was greatest in Central West NSW at 3.1 million. This was followed by southern WA at around 2.7m head.

According to Ripley Atkinson - Senior Market Information Analyst at MLA, the desire to retain breeding ewe populations stems from stellar growing seasons, particularly in the eastern states.

“The majority of this growth is coming from eastern Victoria, northern NSW and southern Queensland where there have been very wet conditions. This demonstrates plenty of confidence in the market with room for growth moving into spring,” said Mr Atkinson. 

A total number of 7.6 million lambs are expected to be sold in the next four months, approximately 34 per cent of the total number of lambs on hand.

Find the full MLA & AWI Wool and Sheepmeat Survey Report at mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/prices--markets/documents/trends--analysis/mlw-stats/mla-and-awi-wool-and-sheepmeat-survey-june-2022-final-report-mla.pdf?