British lamb production up

Marts: AS lamb prices show gains of 6-9 cents/kg (2p-3p/lb) at the factories for this week, production forecasts for Britain indicate that throughput for this year will show an increase, but output will decline in 2006.

Latest forecast for British production show that output for this year will be up by 4%, but a drop in the ewe flock is expected to result in a fall of 2% for 2006, based on the lower national flock according to the June survey findings. The survey showed that the breeding flock was back by 5%, and together with the lower retention of ewe lambs is expected to limit availability next year.

On the market, consumption of sheep meat in Britain is forecast to be marginally down for 2005, based on declines in purchases for the first and second quarters. According to the Meat and Livestock Commission sales of sheep meat were almost 3% lower during the third quarter alone. The growth sector is now lamb based chilled ready meals, demand for which is showing an increase of nine per cent for the third quarter, reflecting the changing pattern of consumer buying arising from more modern life style patterns.