Lamb total rises despite foul weather

By LIAM DANN

This season's lamb crop is significantly up on last year despite the big losses caused by extreme spring weather.

A record lambing percentage has ensured that, despite early losses, 2.6 million more lambs made it through to tail docking.

The lambing percentage of 123 per cent - equivalent to 123 lambs born for every 100 ewes - was up from 11 per cent last year.

The total number of lambs tailed was 35.3 million. Northern numbers increased by 1.5 million.

In the South Island, the numbers increased by 1.1 million.

Meat and Wool New Zealand acting chief executive James Smallwood said the result was due to the excellent condition of sheep at mating.

Record lambing percentages were achieved in all regions except Taranaki-Manawatu, which still reached its second highest level ever.

The good numbers bode well for the export season. Export lamb availability is expected to increase by 9.3 per cent this year to 25.1 million.