Tasmanian sheep industry strong despite JBS Longford plant closure

Tasmanian Quality Meats managing director Brian Oliver said the closure would not make a lot of difference to the state’s sheep meat farmers.

Sheep can be processed elswhere, including across the Bass Strait, the Cressy processor said.

“Every processor in Victoria is already chasing lambs from Tasmania,” Mr Oliver said.

“The benchmark [for lamb prices] is based on what Victoria will pay for Tasmanian livestock.”

This sentiment was reiterated by Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers chief executive Peter Skillern.

“The JBS smalls line has been shut down since February and we certainly haven’t seen a reduction in prices for sheep,” Mr Skillern said.

“There is still ample opportunity on island and off island for sheep producers.”

The weather is more of a concern to farmers and processors.

Tasmania’s South and East regions are experiencing dry conditions, so spring rains would be welcomed.

“A significant patch of the Southern Midlands and East Coast is experiencing dry conditions for this time of year, but it’s way too early for us to be talking drought,” Mr Skillern said.

“There’s still six to eight weeks of spring and if we get decent rainfall the season will turn around,” he said.

Mr Oliver said he hoped for good spring rains just as much as Tasmanian farmers did.

“There’s plenty of young lambs on the ground. We need rain and warmth,” he said.