The Alberta sheep and lamb sector is facing smaller inventories, fewer breeding and replacement stock and an anticipated lower lamb crop for 2024. However, Ann Boyda, provincial livestock market analyst with the Alberta government, says optimism exists for continued easing of production costs and stronger lamb prices.
Alberta has risen to become the second largest sheep and lamb producing province, surpassing Quebec by 1,700 head on-farm as of Jan. 1. Ontario still holds the top position with 261,400 head. Except for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, all provinces reported a decline in inventory over the last year. StatCan attributes this to lower prices and increased feed costs.
