Livestock agents are saying it is the slowest start to a season in 30 years and in Nelson meatworkers are short of shifts, as farmers hold onto their lambs, rather than send them to the works.

Instead, farmers have been fattening flocks on the swathes of lush spring grass, in the hope of higher prices for heavier animals.

Lamb numbers are at their second lowest in history - 5.13 million born in the South Island this season. While this is better than 2010’s all time low, it is still half the number tallied in 1981.

The Nelson Mail reports the situation is making it tough for meat workers coming off a long seasonal lay-off only to find their hours shortened.

The processing season is apparently running up to five weeks behind schedule but now there are signs farmers are beginning to move more of their spring lambs.

However, it is likely the processing season will last a longer, as a result.