Cold weather tipped to keep lambing rates down

The number of lambs born this spring is expected to stay the same as last year, despite a 3.2 per cent increase in the number of ewes.

Meat and Wool New Zealand economist Rob Davison said this was indicated by scanning of ewes.

He attributed the lower rate of conception to cold, wet autumn weather.

"We're expecting that the number of lambs born per ewe mated will be down on last spring because of lower conception rates, and that will cancel out the higher ewe numbers," he said.

The cold, wet weather this winter has also inhibited dairy pasture grass growth, increasing demand for feed supplements and prompting concern about whether the shortage will be overcome by spring growth.