With an exhaustive search of literature from around the world, agricultural consultant San Jolly has put together a draft code of practice for an industry keen to improve profits and production.

As a result of support from many current feedlotters, it is anticipated that once the code is completed an accreditation program may be developed to demonstrate best practice in terms of animal welfare, animal health and environmental sustainability.

The Lamb Finishing Code of Practice will provide both a practical guide to finishing lambs and a set of industry standards, which may be enforceable by state laws in the future.

But if producers don't like the idea, there is a chance for them to contribute to the making of the code in coming weeks.

"There is still a lot we don't know about the lamb feedlot sector and therefore what we have in terms of environmental guidelines is largely based on the cattle feedlot sector," Ms Jolly said.

"So anyone wanting to contribute to this code of practice, here is your opportunity. Have a look at the code as it stands now and come along to one of these meetings."

With current lamb supply very low and prices well above $5.00 per kilogram at saleyards across the country in recent weeks, supply chains and better forward contract options are set to be well discussed at consultation meetings across the country starting later this month.

"A better forward selling system is really needed to underpin the growth of this industry sector," she said.

"The entire industry needs to be committed; the beef industry can do it so, there is no reason why the lamb industry cannot do the same."

The upcoming three hour meetings will be run in three parts; a basic information session, a set of scenarios demonstrating what steps will be required to set up a new finishing system under the guidelines of the Code and finally a set of hypothetical situations attendees will be asked to work through in groups.

"Imagine if a feedlot on a major road received five inches of rain over a weekend during the school holidays and the problems that may stem from that. That's the sort of thing we'll be looking at," Ms Jolly said.

A draft copy of The Lamb Finishing Code of Practice will * be available to read and/or download from the website: www.productivenutrition.com.au or via links on www.mla.com.au from the end of next week.