November 19, 2004

New Zealand's Sheep Meat Exports Seen to Increase

New Zealand is seen to export more lambs this season after birth rates rose to a record, according to an industry report.

The number of lambs available for export is projected to rise 9.3 percent to 25.1 million, the Meat & Wool New Zealand's Economic Service stated. The national lamb crop rose 8 percent to 35.3 million, the service said.

New Zealand is the world's largest exporter of sheep meat, processed by Affco Holdings Ltd., PPCS Ltd. and other companies. Exports of sheep meat and beef were NZ$4.56 billion ($3.2 billion) or about a sixth of all exports in the year ended Sept. 30.