WA Lamb Supply: Is the Larger Turnoff Behind Us?

A review of seasonal lamb pricing over the past decade shows a consistent pattern. The early part of the year typically represents the heavier turnoff period, with supply tightening as autumn progresses into winter. Historically, pricing has tended to stabilise through MarchJune and strengthen further into July–September.

Western Australia has generally followed this trend, with early-year pricing discounts narrowing as winter approaches and availability contracts.

This year, the structural backdrop suggests supply remains tight. A smaller breeding base and ongoing ewe retention have limited available lamb numbers, while feedlot systems appear measured in their coverage at current elevated pricing levels.

Importantly, this is not simply a story of firmer prices. The recent temporary closure of a WA processor due to tight supply highlights the pressure felt on the procurement side of the market. Processors and producers operate on different sides of the same equation, and securing consistent supply in a constrained environment is proving challenging.

As winter approaches, both sides may need to think further ahead about supply security, demand tolerance and risk management.