LAMB
As lamb schedules continue to remain flat, Silver Ferns CEO Keith Cooper warns that sheep meat pricing may disappoint this season as the strong US currency and sharp fall in pelt prices have reversed earlier optimism.
Also reported was earlier meetings by NZ meat companies which failed to reach any consensus in dealing with the issues of surplus capacity, and reformers will despair that the red meat sector can’t unite and sort the issues from an industry basis.
SI mutton schedules fell again and it has now been stated that volumes of stock in store in China are behind this fall.
So far the lambing weather, survival and stock condition has been favourable for a positive northern outcome, but with large numbers of sheep in the south yet to drop, the next month’s weather will be critical.
Alternative cultivars such as plantain and chicory have received much of the credit for improved growth rates in lambs but scientists remind farmers that the clover component in the sward is just as important.
WOOL
The latest South Island wool sale with reasonable volumes saw the market ease and passings rise even as the currency weakened.
Reports suggest exporters have met their short term commitments and although the sale was dominated by Chinese interests all price indicator levels dropped.
The Wool Levy proponents released more detail on their case by spelling out where they would spend the 3% levy, as they strive to avoid the mistakes of the past and reinvigorate promotion of the product.
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BEEF
More lifts in North Island beef export and local trade schedules as supply tightens in both islands.
The recent weakening of the currency is helping and with global feed costs falling on a record harvest, beef numbers in the US could be starting to bottom as operators reinvest in stock.
DEER
Venison schedules move again upwards, now in bigger chunks as the chilled game season production starts.
Exporters are optimistic product newly released into China will find a growing market and ease the dependence on German customers.
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