Sheep loss will lead to wool worries
28/03/2008
The Chubut province, Argentina’s main sheep-producing region, has lost 1.2 million sheep in the last 14 months because of drought.
The situation is extremely serious and the future is even more distressing. With the cold, dry winter approaching, the authorities believe more animals are certain to die.
According to official sources, there are 3245 sheep farms in Chubut with a flock of 1500 to 2500 head each. “Due to the loss of pastures and soil deterioration, the number of animals on the fields must be reduced. In view of the situation, the sheep-breeding sector will have to redefine its business,” said Rubén Manfredi, vice-secretary of natural resources for the provincial government.
Chubut has a flock of 4.5 million sheep and processes 95% of the wool exported from Argentina. The drought will certainly have a negative impact on the next wool harvest both in terms of quality and quantity.
The government has offered help to farmers in the region in the form of fodder and water but the long distances between one farm and the next are so huge that implementation of the emergency assistance plan is almost impossible.
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