Fewer lambs are expected in Canterbury this spring.
North Canterbury contractor Daniel Wheeler said scanning percentages were down by 15 per cent to 20 per cent across the region, and the scanning period is almost complete.
Wheeler has clients all over North Canterbury, as well as some in South Canterbury and the West Coast.
The poor results seemed to be consistent across the board.
''We've got high lamb prices, but we're looking a bit short on lambs, so there are a few guys a bit disappointed.