Australia’s flock rebuild is speeding up, predicted to reach 68.1 million head after falling to its lowest on record in 2020 of 64 million head.

And by 2023 the national flock is expected to be 75.4 million head.

This is according to Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) 2021 sheep industry projections half year update released today.

It is an upwards revision from 700,000 sheep made on MLA’s February release.

MLA market information manager Stephen Bignell said the speed of the rebuild was faster than expected, and was a result of lower than previously anticipated sheep and lamb slaughter in 2021.

“Lower slaughter numbers for sheep and lamb, which MLA are now forecasting to be 6.1 million head and 20.3 million head respectively, are being driven by continued good weather in key sheep producing regions,” Mr Bignell said.

“These strong seasonal conditions are encouraging producers to retain more ewes and ewe lambs for breeding purposes.”

Mr Bignell also said improved conditions in Western Australia are likely to impact producer intentions in the state with a more favourable weather outlook easing flock liquidations in the state.

MLA reports average national lamb carcase weights will continue to be underpinned by improved seasonal conditions across key sheep regions.

“Better conditioned lambs will see average national lamb carcase weights for 2021 lift marginally to 24.4kg, up 0.4kg per head on 2020 levels,” Mr Bignell said.

“Continued feed availability is underpinning average sheep carcase weights which are expected to remain in line with 2020 weights at 25.8kg per head.”

Saleyard prices in 2021 are expected to remain high, though slightly lower than the records set in 2020 and 2019, indicative of a flock rebuild that is maturing.

Originally published on Farm Online 9th June. Written by Kristen Frost. Image sourced from Farm Online.