MLA 2006 Lamb Survey

Summary

Results from the MLA 2006 lamb survey indicate that lamb supply will increase 3% over the coming year as producers switch from Merino to secondcross lamb production.

Second-cross lamb numbers are expected to be up 16% in 2006-07, with rises across all states.

In contrast, pure Merino joinings and markings are forecast to decline 8%, suggesting that the poor season in key pastoral areas and low wool prices
may have halted flock rebuilding.

Lower numbers of Merino (down 8%) and firstcross (down 3%) lambs marked could adversely affect lambs available in following years, unless ewe lamb retention rates increase substantially over the coming year or seasons improve.

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