Productivity gains in NZ are proof that large gains are achievable

There are various limitations to the production of sheep meat: competition for land, degradation of grasslands, rising feed costs, labour shortage, and poor prices for the wool by-product.

However, global sheep meat consumption is rising, and demand is expected to grow further. China’s share in global sheep production is 26% (at over 2 million tonnes). China has dominated sheep production growth of the last 10 years, with sheep farming being profitable due to the high meat prices.

Speaking at the Agri benchmark Beef and Sheep Conference 2013 in York, England, earlier this summer, Peter Weeks, representing Meat and Livestock Australia, said “sheep prices continue to rise as supply struggles to meet demand”.