
TL;DR: The hope for a late-season surge in lamb prices is dwindling, with forecasters predicting stable but not stellar prices through to May. Factors such as strong demand in the U.S. are counterbalanced by increased competition from Australia and global economic uncertainties. While the overall demand for protein remains robust, price expectations are tempered, indicating a period of adjustment rather than significant growth in the short term.
As the season progresses, the lamb industry faces a reality check with current market forecasts indicating a steady state rather than an anticipated rally in prices. Silver Fern Farms (SFF) and Alliance Group, two leading exporters, have provided insights that suggest modest expectations for farmgate lamb prices through to May, with figures ranging between $5.70 and $6.20 per kilogram.
This outlook mirrors January’s predictions, underscoring a market that is grappling with several external pressures.
The American market shows promising demand, yet the re-emergence of Australian lamb as a formidable competitor is likely to temper the benefits. According to Dan Boulton, SFF’s CEO, the anticipated increase in Australian sheepmeat exports – which have already seen a year-on-year increase of 3% – could challenge New Zealand’s position in global markets.
Despite the robust global demand for protein, the willingness of buyers to meet higher price points seems to be waning. This sentiment is reflected across all major markets, not just the United States, indicating a broader trend of cautious consumer spending amid economic recovery efforts.
Murray Behrent of Alliance Group suggests that while the demand for lamb remains strong, the price points are not as favourable as in previous years, a situation that may persist in the near term.
The backdrop to this cautious market outlook includes a significant drop in lamb prices reported by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), with a 20% decline noted over the past 10 weeks compared to the same period last year. This dip comes even as sheep numbers and the availability of winter-born lambs are on the rise, potentially flooding the market further.
Beef prices, on the other hand, show a slightly more optimistic trend, buoyed by reduced production in the U.S. and a resultant uptick in prices. However, the Chinese market’s flat response to beef, amid economic uncertainties and an oversupply of protein, suggests that the red meat sector, in general, faces a challenging period ahead.
Looking forward, the industry’s resilience and adaptability will be key. While the immediate future may not bring the high prices of years past, the strong foundational demand for quality protein presents opportunities for strategic growth and market repositioning.
As the global economy continues to recover and adjust to new norms, the lamb and beef sectors must navigate these complex market dynamics with foresight and flexibility.