An update on the region in Beef + Lamb New Zealand's economic service lamb crop report said the increase was for both sheep and beef, and dairy properties. Farmers in the two regions were generally optimistic about prospects for good financial returns this season despite low prices for strong wool. Favourable climatic conditions through spring had meant farming operations for this time of year were all on target. It was likely that numbers in early lamb drafts would be higher than last season due to good lamb growth rates and good schedule prices. Schedule prices for mutton had been very strong and there had been a few comments that some mobs of old ewes could be weaned early to take advantage of those strong prices.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 04, 2017 15:56 UTC