February  2012

Big falls continue for lamb and mutton schedules as negative feedback from global markets impact on price levels.

Processors warn that the current lamb schedule is ahead of market prices and reductions will continue, with the local trade market also easing by a similar amount.

Only half the number of ewes were processed this December compared to last, and the years kill is 43% behind as a result of better feed conditions allowing flock rebuilding.

 The trend is falling. And at 667c/kg average it is now only  82c/kg ahead of last year.

The currency has now at  0.52p to the Pound and at .63 for the Euro (which is an all time high), and will pressure price.

CLICK HERE for currency trends.

The mutton schedule is also falling rapidly after being at unbelievably high prices driven by a shortage of supply as a result of last years heavy culling.

The store lamb market is easing with the schedule, but Temuka’s two tooth ewe values equaled Fielding’s at $240 average, with the top pen reaching the magical $300 per head.

CLICK HERE for store lamb charts.

WOOL

The rebalancing of prices due to last years shortages continues, with prices again falling at auction.

Crossbred and lambs wool indicators are now at yearly lows, and back nearly 150c on last autumn’s highs.

Manufacturers are being very cautious, only buying to orders and carrying very little stock, as they cope with the world recession and a weak Euro.

 To view Chart for mid micron, coarse and fine crossbred indicators CLICK HERE

- lamb
- beef
- deer
- velvet

for more perspectives, see

- Exchange rates
- Commodity prices
- Farm cost indexes
- Interest rate trends
- Rural credit aggregates
- Farm sales activity
- International dairy price