Mid May- 2013

LAMB

More supply driven lifts in lamb schedules coupled with rain and grass growth has restored a little optimism to the lamb scene, and with the local UK supply predicted to be down because of the weather, the turnaround could be quicker than expected.

Disappointing news from MacDonalds this week as they withdrew the lamb burger from its sales but with strong interest in lower priced cuts in China this should have little affect on farmer returns.

More positive debate on meat industry restructuring as the will for change grows but the importance of urgency is revealed by falling sheep numbers at the expense of dairy.

Trends are rising at  440c/kg CWT but 85c/kg CWT behind the unsustainable rates of last year. Local trade schedules have lifted in response to supply shortages, as seen in a lack of numbers at saleyards especially in the north and demand should build through to the spring.

WOOL

A weaker currency and a restricted supply aided the lift in most wool types at the latest South Island wool auction. With next weeks North Island auction cancelled due to lack of volumes, crossbred growers will be pleased to see the coarse indicator now back over $4 for only the second time this season and moving .to regain the premium prelamb wools deserve.

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

CLICK HERE for currency trends.

Mid Season update from Beef and lamb NZ 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