Second highest quarter for sheep transfers in Australia

Published 2024년 4월 26일

Tridge summary

Over 300,000 sheep were transported across the Nullarbor Plain in the first quarter of this year, marking the second highest first-quarter flow on record. This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year. The transportation is necessary due to the price discount between western and eastern Australia. However, there is concern for the live export avenue, which could be unavailable until mid-September, potentially causing strain on the industry. Additionally, the transportation of lighter lambs has been challenging due to a disruption in the Middle East. Farmers are seeking a freight subsidy to help offload stock into the Eastern States. The movement of sheep to the Eastern States has helped clear an oversupply, but the industry faces challenges such as high transport costs and a lack of demand for lighter lambs due to drought and rainfall shortages in certain areas.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

More than 300,000 sheep were trucked across the Nullarbor Plain in the first three months of this year - the second highest first-quarter flows on record behind the 2020 season. According to WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) figures, 357,486 head - including 205,844 sheep and 151,642 lambs - were sent over east from January-March. This is significantly higher than 195,473 head in the same time last year. An Episode 3 analysis showed that west to east sheep transfers this year were running 250 per cent higher in average volumes per month, compared to the ten-year average for Q1. According to the analysis, the strong volumes seen so far rival those during the same three-month period of 2021, when 349,122-head were transferred. Episode 3 founder and market analyst Matt Dalgleish said these big volumes - which are only viable when the west and east price discount is wide enough to cover freight costs - highlight the strain facing WA sheep producers. ...

Source: Farmweekly