Year round production of lamb Is constrained by the seasonal breeding of the ewe with a shortage of lambs onto the UK market In the first two quarters of the year leading to enhanced prices in this period. Lambs sold onto this market in the past have received little variable premium due to strong market prices. Transfer of support from variable premiums to headage payments in 1992 should encourage farmers to spread the marketing period of lamb into the period of shortage. New systems of storing lamb have been developed involving a housed store period from September to November on a straw based diet followed by turnout to swedes for finishing. Large liveweight loss on adjustment to the straw based diet has been a constraint In previous trials (Dingwall et al, 1989). Previous work on slimming diets for sheep (Vipond et al, 1989) suggests fishmeal supplementation during the changeover period could reduce weight loss and improve performance.