The reduction in stock numbers during drought gives livestock owners the opportunity to restock with animals suited to new market requirements.

You should closely assess the suitability of the products that would be provided by the animals you are considering purchasing. For example, wool from Merino sheep has a range of fibre diameters (15–28 microns), but the clothing market’s demands are highest for wool finer than 21 microns. Consequently, as clothing is in high demand, purchase only Merino sheep that have the genetic capability to produce wool of finer fibres for the apparel textile industry.

This Primefact discusses:

• restructuring enterprises
• breeding versus buying
• purchasing/trading/agistment
• supply of stock.