Dry drives fall in sheep flock

THE Australian sheep flock is predicted to fall to 67.1 million sheep by the end of June this year which is a decrease of 2.7 per cent from the same time last year.

MLA is suggesting that the flock will fall 1.2 per cent in 2027 and then a further 2.7 per cent by 2028 which would bring the total to 64.6 million head and this is nearly a third off the all time highs of the 1970s when we had a bout 180 million sheep in Australia.

The main reason for the recent falls has been the dry seasons particularly in Southeast Australia and more recently sheep producers moving towards cattle because of less labor input.

The mutton kill over the last couple of years has been at record highs and although lambs prices have also been at all time highs the fall in breeding ewe numbers continue.

I wonder what sort of effect the recent improved wool prices will have on the general re-build?

Over the last few days there have been some rain through the north of the state with falls between 10 and 25mm with the North West getting the best

These rains will certainly help the autumn particularly while the weather remains mild. I have heard of some light frosts through the Northern Midlands and Highland regions.

Talking with a few farmers over the last week or so and most are not only concerned with the season but also the effects that the war in the Middle east is potentially likely to create.

Certainly livestock prices have stayed at high levels and although we are in the middle of two short weeks, saleyard activity continues to be strong for cattle, lambs and mutton.

Victorian store cattle sales have also continued their strong form and here in Tasmania we have two more weaner sales left with sales scheduled for next Thursday 16th and following one on April 24.

Agents are expecting close to 5,000 cattle at these two sales which will bring to an end a very successful weaner sale season.