As the first batch of new season young lambs trickle through NSW saleyards, it’s important to acknowledge how the market has been recently challenged, where we are now and what is expected for lamb supply and subsequent market impact in the coming months.
Many key sheep and lamb production regions have faced severe drought or challenging conditions over the past 18−24 months, contributing to historically high mutton and record lamb turnoff in 2024.
With minimal feed on offer, some producers were forced to extensively hand feed or containment feed, compounded by an absent autumn break. Exacerbated supplementary feed and labour cost pressures heading into winter to ensure animal nutritional requirements were met, tested the resilience and adaptation of flock management strategies.
