Numbers were marginally higher, and quality was mixed with increased supplies of longer-wool secondary lambs in plainer condition.

Shorn young lamb numbers doubled this week, along with increased supplies of supplementary fed lambs above 26kg cwt. These lambs offered buyers weight and yield which helped lift prices up to $20/head higher.

The usual contingent of domestic and export buyers were competing in a dearer market.

Major domestic buyers were the market drivers across all pens of well finished trade lambs, which contributed to prices lifting $10 to $13/head.

Light weight trade lambs to slaughter averaged $111.40/head. Medium and heavy trade lambs averaged 550c

to 560c/kg cwt. The best of the heavy trade lambs sold from $112 to $139.80/head. New season shorn trade lambs averaged 541c/kg cwt.

Light immature Lambs to restock sold up to $8/head cheaper due to the decline in quality.

Well-bred secondary lambs returning to the paddock sold to steady demand to average $91.80/head.

Heavy export lamb numbers improved, assisted by greater supplies of shorn heavy and extra lambs.

The shorn lamb portion benefited from strong export and domestic competition, mostly prices were $14 to $19/head higher.

Heavy and extra heavy lambs sold from $139 to $163/head to average 523c/kg cwt.

A single pen of extra heavy shorn young lambs with an estimated carcase weight of 34kg, reached a top price of $163/head.

Mutton numbers increased and quality was mixed with all weights and grades represented. Merino ewes suitable for the trade were well supplied, and prices were $2/head dearer.

Medium weight sheep made from $60 to $90/head to average from 272c to 302c/kg cwt.

Heavy sheep were in reasonable supply and not all northern processor operated fully. Heavy mutton sold $4 to $7/head higher to average 281c to 332c/kg cwt. A run of heavy Merino wethers in full wool reached a top price of $114.20/head, to average 311c/kg cwt.