Lamb/mutton production expected to show strength leading up to the Spring religious holidays

In the first quarter of 2012, commercial production of lamb and mutton are forecast at 38 million pounds, 5 percent higher than the same period in 2011. Although Easter and Passover will be in early April, most of the lamb production in anticipation of these holidays will take place in March. Typically, lamb demand exhibits some seasonality and is highest ahead of these religious holidays. Commercial lamb and mutton production in March has been consistently higher than in any other month of the year. As a result, despite declining annual lamb and mutton production and relatively low production in January and February, increases are expected this month. This chart is from the March 2012 Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook, LDP-M-213.