Most producers are looking to maintain breeding ewe numbers in 2023.
The results from the first Sheep Producer Intentions survey (formally known as the MLA and AWI Sheepmeat and Wool survey) have been released. This survey, which operated under a new format this year, gauges producers’ intentions for their flocks, as well as flock numbers.
The new format allowed for a deeper understanding of the breed makeup of the national flock, along with sales channels used by producers across different states and farm sizes. Due to the new format and methodology of the survey, it is difficult to make comparisons between this wave and the previous wave.
Flock growth and breeds
- The survey indicated that 46% of producers are looking to increase their flocks in 2023, with 60% hoping to expand operations and 47% expecting favourable conditions in the next 12 months.
- Strong growth expectations are particularly prominent among Queensland and NSW producers.
- Larger producers with 10,000 or more sheep indicated an intention to increase or maintain their flock numbers.
- More producers are looking to decrease their breeding ewe numbers when compared to the intentions from last year.
- Most producers are looking to maintain breeding ewe numbers in 2023.
- Merinos make up 40% of the total lamb flock, while prime lambs make up 35%.
Producer sentiment about the sheep industry
- Most producers are expecting an increase in input costs and finding skilled labour to be more difficult in the next 12 months.
- Despite these concerns, producer sentiment around the sheepmeat industry is extremely positive moving forward, with a 67% net positive rating among sheepmeat producers across Australia.
Saleyards preferred sales channel
- Saleyards continue to be the dominant sales channel for producers, further highlighting the importance of saleyards for the industry.
- 58% of participants said saleyard auctions were the main channel used, with over-the-hooks sales coming in at 23% for the second most-used channel.
- Larger producers are more likely to use direct sales.
- NSW had the strongest saleyard usage at 73% of producers using this channel for sheep and lamb sales.
https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/survey-results-highlight-sheep-producers-intentions/