Numbers were higher and quality was mixed, with increased supplies of trade lambs showing dryness and lacking finish.

There were increased supplies of young shorn lambs which were supplementary fed.

Theses drafts offered buyers both weight and yield, which contributed to the dearer trend.

The usual contingent of domestic and export buyers were competing in a dearer market. Secondary lambs suitable to restock or feed were well supplied and sold to strong local competition.

Bidding was strongest for well finished shorn trade lambs, which helped lifted prices $6/head. Light trade lambs to slaughter were keenly contested by major domestic processors, with the very neat lambs selling at 600c/kg cwt.

Most of the better light trade lambs averaged $117.20/head.

Medium and heavy trade lambs benefited from stronger demand from all buyers, selling $12/head dearer to average 560c to 570c/kg cwt. Light immature lambs met with stronger competition from producers looking to accumulate lambs to place on stubbles. The plainer conditioned lambs made from $56 to $75/head.

Well-bred secondary lambs returning to the paddock averaged $85.80, while lambs to feed on topped at $107/head.

Heavy export lambs were in reasonable supply and sold to stronger northern competition. Heavy and extra heavy lambs sold from $138 to $170.20/head to average 548c/kg cwt.

Mutton numbers increased significantly and quality was quite good. Merino ewes suitable for the trade were in reasonable supply, and prices were $5/head dearer.

Light sheep were in limited numbers and prices were mostly unchanged. Heavy sheep were well supplied and not all northern processor competed as strongly as the previous sale. Heavy crossbred ewes sold $10/head dearer to average 310c/kg cwt. All weights and grades of wethers were represented and prices ranged from $60 to $107/head.

Restockers were also operating however, very selective with their purchases. Well-bred young ewes returning to the paddock made from $91 to $121.60/head.