Meat Board critical of lamb schedule prices

Press, 1 May 1980, Page 2

Meat Board critical of lamb schedule prices

PA. Wellington Lamb schedule prices now being offered by export companies were unrealistically low and if they, were not greatly increased in the next few weeks farmers should consider other means of selling, such as the co-opera-tives or company pools, said the- chairman of the Meat Board (Mr Adam Begg) yesterday. , Noting that schedule prices for export lamb had risen by between 3c to 10c per kg since the beginning of March (depending on grades), Mr Begg said this did not equate with the new levels of prices being paid for lamb in overseas mar-

kets. Present prices in the United Kingdom were at record levels, having risen 'quickly from depressed losses* The board recognised that on early lamb shipments this season to the United Kingdom some sizeable losses were incurred by exporters, but realisations in other markets had been very favourable. “The present position is that all our markets are strong and dur costings show that the companies, on present schedule offerings, stand to make very substantial profits,” said Mr Begg. “They may contend that, with the flush of British lambs beginning in August

and September, a weakening in United Kingdom prices for New Zealand lamb can be expected during that period. However, New Zealand lamb prices in the United Kingdom have not yet reached their historic relationship with beef. It is our opinion that, with strong marketing and at projected arrival levels, prices may reasonably be expected to be maintained, or indeed increased. “On top of that, we can expect -continuing strength from our other markets which this season will account for almost half New Zealand’s total lamb exports,” Mr Begg said.