By Dan Parker
Lamb is returning to the Kiwi dinner table, after a series of substantial price drops. It's bad news for farmers, but good news for consumers.
From the paddock to meat-pack and almost everywhere in between, the price of lamb has dropped by a third in two years.
It's a big financial hit for farmers like Rob Lawson.
“I guess that's farming - there are ups and downs.”
International markets dictate those ups and downs because 92 percent our lamb is exported, says Beef + Lamb executive director Rob Davison.
“Europe's in recession which really translates to the wholesale price for lamb is down from where it was. And that's really a reflection of overall a weaker demand.”
Shoppers are benefiting though - some supermarkets have been selling lamb for as little as $10 a kilo.
“Lamb was too expensive so it's good,” one pleased shopper says.
Shopper Merenia Gray is making the most of it.
“We have had it twice this week already.”
Fast food chain McDonalds says it's not taking advantage of the low prices, but managing director Patrick Wilson says they are preparing to offer its first lamb burger on Wednesday.
“We've actually been planning this for a couple of years, lamb is a great New Zealand staple and we see an opportunity there to stay relevant.”
The new burger is the final realisation of former Trade Minister Mike Moore's desire in the 1980s to see processed lamb sold mainstream.
The idea of Mr Moore pushing lamb burgers was once the source of great amusement for his political nemesis, the late Sir Robert Muldoon, who mercilessly ribbed him about it.
But it appears Mr Moore has had the last laugh.
3 News