IN BRIEF Lamb’svirtual journey M LA’s virtual reality Australian Lamb Paddock to Plate Story hit the road in February for a three-month tour of Victoria, the ACT and NSW. Among the stops were AgriFutures evokeAG in Melbourne, the Royal Canberra and Newcastle shows with Sydney Royal Easter Show pencilled in from 12–23 April. It will continue visiting schools and community events until 17 May. The immersive 360⁰ virtual reality experience tells the story of Australian lamb production, from the farm through to the consumer, and explains why Australia produces the greatest lamb in the world. The video features producer Michael Craig, from Harrow, Victoria, and value chain stakeholders including Paul Christopher, Manager of Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange; Mark Inglis, Farm Assurance & Supply Chain Manager, JBS; and butcher, Gary McBean, Gary’s Quality Meats, Prahran Markets, Prahran. ■ Any school or community event wishing to have the Paddock to Plate Story visit can register at goodmeat.com.au/roadshow. 2019 Sheep projections released Ongoing dry conditions are The 2019 Sheep industry projections“Fortunately, robust international set to continue across indicate that Australian lamb slaughterdemand and a low Australian dollar many key production will reach its lowest level since 2012will continue to support Australian regions in 2019, according to the as poor seasonal conditions continueexports and, in turn, domestic latest sheep industry projections,to impact sheepmeat supply. saleyard prices. Records were broken The significantly reduced breeding in 2018 as markets around the world released in January. Here competed strongly for Australia’s Feedback talks to MLA’s Market flock and widespread rainfall high quality sheepmeat.” IntelligenceManager, Scott Tolmie,deficiencies suggest fewer joinings about this year’s forecast. than usual and a continuation Key points: of below-average lambing rates • Lamb slaughter is forecast to fall experienced in 2018. Many producersdue to reduced flock and poor are still destocking as they wait for alambing rates and the national flock turnaround in the weather. is expected to decline 3.7%. “The national flock is forecast to • Strong demand from international experience a further decline of 3.7%markets continues to by mid-2019 to 65.3 million head,” support prices. ■ Scott said. To read MLA’s 2019 Sheep industry projections, visit: mla.com.au/sheepprojections MLA’s 2019 Cattle industry projections were also released in January but will be updated in April to incorporate the impact of the Queensland floods. 8