Lamb numbers, as reported by the MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service, lifted 4% week-on-week, to 86,122 head. Dubbo increased numbers by 25%, to total 16,470 lambs, while Tamworth gained 3%, with 2,860 lambs. Forbes penned similar numbers, at 16,600 head, as CTLX eased by 3% and yarded 17,700 head. Goulburn slipped 10%, to 2,600 lambs, and Wagga penned 6% fewer than last week, with 28,000 head. Inverell continued its fortnightly market and sold 1892 lambs.

Sheep sales increased 25% week-on-week for an offering of 48,084 head. Dubbo penned 12,000 head and Forbes offered 9,380 sheep. CTLX yarded 5850 head and Wagga lifted 25% to 16,000 sheep.

Quality overall fair to good

At Dubbo, there was a good selection of trade and heavy weights, along with a fair supply of Merino and light weight crossbred lambs. Quality at Tamworth ranged from plain light weight Merino lambs, through to runs of high quality well-finished crossbreds. Heavy and extra heavy weight lambs made up the bulk of the penning at Forbes. CTLX continued to offer good quality trade and heavy weight lambs, with secondary lambs in reduced numbers compared to last week. Quality was mixed at Wagga, with increased supplies of trade weight lambs showing dryness and lacking finish, as well as an increased supply of young shorn supplementary fed lambs in the penning.

Lamb prices trend higher

New season trade weights trended $4/head dearer and prices averaged around 537¢/kg cwt. The heavier weights sold to strong competition, with the best topping at $168/head. The older lambs trended $4 to $5/head dearer, with trade weights averaging from 533¢ to 565c/kg ¢wt. The heavier weights to the exporters topped at $177/head and averaged in the 510¢ to 545¢/kg cwt range.

Sheep improved $3 to $6/head across the major categories. The medium and heavy weight 2 to 4 scores to the processors ranged from $50 to $112 and restockers paid up to $122/head to secure their selections.