Numbers were substantially lower and quality was very good overall trade and heavy weight categories.

Trade lambs were in shorter supply with less numbers of young shorn lambs supplementary fed. Well shaped trade lambs were keenly sought by several domestic processors, while plainer lambs lacking finish were keenly contested by local restockers.

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

Bidding intensified for well finished heavy trade lambs, which was aided by stronger demand from both export and domestic buyers.

The bulk of the heavy trade lambs averaged 589c/kg cwt, reaching a top price of $149/head. Trade lambs 20-22kg were keenly sought by several domestic processors with lambs to slaughter averaging $132.10/head.

Light weight plain lambs sold to stronger price trends with all export processors struggling to capture adequate supplies, due to very strong restocker demand.

The plainer conditioned lambs returning to the paddock made from $69 to $86, while well-bred secondary lambs averaged $110.50, lifting $7/head.

Light lambs to the processors ranged from $84 to $108/head. Heavy export lambs were well supplied with plenty of lambs weighing in excess 32kg cwt. Heavy lambs made from $146 to $169/head, to average 584c/kg cwt.

The bulk of the extra heavy lambs sold from $154 to $198.50/head, averaging 535c to 579c/kg cwt.

Mutton numbers declined and quality was quite mixed, with all weights and grades represented. Merino ewes suitable for the trade were in reasonable supply, and made from $54 to $86/head.

Heavy sheep were well supplied and prices generally weakened $3 to $7/head, due to not all major northern export processors operating fully.

Heavy Merino wethers made from $87 to $120/head, to average 357c/kg cwt.

Heavy crossbred ewes were in greater numbers selling from $108 to $119/head.