Numbers were slightly higher and lamb quality was very good, however skin quality slipped with increased supplies of lambs showing dryness and seed contamination.

Not all major domestic processors operated, however the usual group of export buyers were competing in a dearer market.

Lambs suitable to turnout were well supplied and sold to solid demand. A smaller turnout of buyers purchased lambs above 18kg cwt to average $97/head. Lighter weight younger lambs were keenly contested ranging in price from $70 to $87/head.

Store orders were in place from Queanbeyan, Forbes, Cowra and the local area. Trade lambs were well supplied and prices strengthened over all categories.

Light trade weight lambs were well supplied and steady competition from restockers contributed to the better finished lambs averaging $102.90/head. Medium and heavy trade lambs were in greater numbers with increased supplies of shorn young lambs.

Prices were generally $2 to $4/head dearer to average 483c/kg cwt. Trade weight Merino lambs were in short supply and the better finished drafts suitable for the trade lifted $8, and sold from $94 to $111.60/head.

Heavy and extra heavy young lambs sold to strong northern competition with northern processors the market drivers on the better finished pens.

Heavy and extra heavy lambs sold from $118 to $135.20/head with the extra heavy lambs averaging 473c/kg cwt.

Mutton numbers were significantly lower and quality was mixed with all weights and grades represented. Merino ewes suitable for the trade were in reasonable supply, and prices were generally $8 to $9/head higher.

Trade sheep made from $65 to $88/head to average 294c/kg cwt. Heavy sheep were well supplied selling from $72 to $103.20/head. Heavy wethers reached a top price of $104, while most sales ranged from $71 to $95/head.