NZ sheep star performers

By LIAM DANN

New Zealand sheep have been star performers in recent years despite their declining population, say researchers.

Dr Andy Bray, of AgResearch, has just completed a study of statistics from MAF and the Meat and Wool Innovation Economic Service.

Sheep numbers dropped from 73 million to 44 million over the past 20 years, but that did not hinder production, he said.

Bray found that lamb carcass weight has increased 25 per cent since the 1980s and the heavier carcasses have been produced at an earlier average slaughter date.

Overall, lamb meat production had increased while sheep numbers declined, he said.

Heavier, leaner carcasses were more suited to further processing and high-value meat markets.

The production and income gains have been credited to the use of new technology, better breeding, pastures and feeding techniques, and improved marketing.

The most remarkable feature of the gains was that they had been made using less labour, he said.

Contrary to the belief that farmers were conservative they had been quick to adopt new technologies, said Bray.

Sheepmeat exports earned New Zealand a record $2.3 billion in the year to last September, with lambs averaging $60 a head on-farm.

Wool sector exports were $1.2 billion, with wool and skin products accounting for nearly 30 per cent of farm-gate revenue.

Last week, Meat New Zealand said exports of lamb to the United States had increased 25 per cent in the first quarter of the year.