Posted: 11.26.2010

A surprise snow storm in New Zealand is having major repercussions on Wisconsin lamb producers this winter - in a positive way!

Dave Johnson with the Equity Livestock Sales Association tells Pam Jahnke that the storm in New Zealand is just one component that has escalated Wisconsin lamb prices to new levels!   Johnson says the damage done to baby lambs in New Zealand hasn't even been felt in todays market - that he expects next spring.

Johnson says because of the short supply situation world-wide -  these prices are not going away soon.  "We're going to see exceptional prices for all classes of sheep for 3-5 years."  Johnson tells Jahnke. He says he thinks there is some sticker shock that consumers are going through now, but compared to beef, lamb is just keeping pace.

Johnson is firmly committed to higher prices through spring of 2012.  So does that mean now is the time to get into lamb production?  "It's do-able,"  Johnson tells Jahnke, "You'll have to look for areas and opportunities to get into - but its do-able.  Today's buyer's looking for a good lean 60-75 pound carcass, that's about a 150 pound lamb.  The product made in this country is far superior to anything anywhere else in the world because of our genetic quality and feed quality."

Johnson says the short supply in Wisconsin is impacting how he coordinates his markets to keep his buyers happy.  "We're having to reach farther and farther to fill buyers needs,"  Johnson said.  "For people that have been in the market (growers) - its really paying off." 

Johnson notes that the weather problems in New Zealand aren't the only factors driving these lamb prices higher.  He said there's increased consumption from ethnic populations that select lamb over other meats for cultural and religious celebrations.  Johnson used the Muslim celebration of the "ID" - held mid-November.  That particular holiday had approximately five different ethnic groups swarming the Equity Sales barn in Johnson Creek - specifically looking for buck lambs - a focal point for their religious celebration.

Still, Johnson admits - jumping into the lamb business shouldn't be taken lightly, saying, "Sheep production is still a lot of work."

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