Highest lambing percentage in south
The Southland region recorded the second highest lambing percentage in the country this spring.
The region recorded a lambing percentage of 138.2 per cent which was up 1.1 per cent on last year’s result, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s 2018 Lamb Crop Report.
This result may come as a surprise to farmers who endured a particularly dry summer resulting in reduced feed availability and lower than desired scanning results.
Southland’s lambing percentage was significantly above the national average of 129 per cent, but slightly behind that of the combined Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions which recorded 139.1 per cent.
B+LNZ’s Economic Service estimated that 4.1 million lambs were born in Southland this spring, which was similar to last year despite a slight decline in the number of ewes mated to 2.84 million (-0.4%).
In Southland, an estimated 146,000 lambs were born to ewe hoggets, down 5.8 per cent on 2017.
Counting of lambs was still in progress when the report was compiled so was based on farmer estimates in some cases.
Lambing was also slightly earlier than usual and more compact than in the previous season.
Typical unsettled spring conditions occurred during lambing.
Widespread snowfalls occurred around September 24 with snow lying for a short period over most of northern and western Southland.
Farmers reported spring pasture conditions were ‘’well ahead of usual’’ and this has been supported by data from AgResearch Woodlands.
However, there was some concern around pasture quality if covers were not carefully managed which could impact on lamb growth rates.
Timely rains ensured a continuation of good pasture growth towards the New Year.
Soil moisture levels were above average for Southland, which was a major contrast to the drying conditions that were already being observed at the same time in 2017.
Ewe deaths were reported to be higher than usual in Southland with an increase in bearings, cast ewes and metabolic disorders. Several farmers also reported a lower success rate in treating prolapses.
There were also occasional reports of toxoplasma abortions in fully vaccinated flocks of ewes and hoggets.
Most lambs were doing well and were ahead of the same time in 2017.
While heavy rains in November had checked lamb growth, no animal health problems had been reported. Many farmers sold store lambs in 2017 because of the dry conditions, but a lack of moisture was not a limiting factor this year and there currently was no pressure to get lambs off mum and away to the works. Lamb schedules peaked at more than $8 per kilogram in September, up to $1 more per kg than in 2017.
While prices have decreased gradually from September they have remained above those achieved at the same time last season.
Premiums for new season lambs were available up until the end of November, the report said. Excellent prices for sheep in 2017-18 resulted in farmers culling to take advantage of the situation. The decline in ewe numbers was greatest on finishing farms. Prospects for the season still appear strong although peakseason schedules will depend on the international situation.
The potential impact of issues including trading relations between the United States and China, and Brexit will be watched closely.
The United Kingdom’s exit from the EU coincides with shipments of chilled New Zealand lamb arriving for Easter.