A total of 36,400 went under the hammer and numbers increased compared to previous weeks. There were more than 5000 new season lambs penned, along with a few pens of shorn lambs which were supplementary fed.

These drafts offered buyers more yield and major domestic processors dominated this category. There was a considerable boost in weight across the extra heavy lamb category, with increased supplies above 30kg cwt. The usual contingent of domestic and export buyers were competing in a dearer market.

Secondary lambs suitable to restock or feed on were in short supply, with only limited restocker activity and no lot feeder competition.

Bidding was strong for well finished new season lambs. Medium and heavy new season trade lambs made from $132 to $170/head to average 627c/kg cwt.

Medium and heavy old trade lambs were well supplied and averaged 598c to 622c/kg cwt.

The better finished heavy trade lambs ranged from $144 to $165/head. Well finished Merino trade lambs made from $110 to $142 with a pen of heavy Merino lambs topping at $154/head.

Light lambs to the processor fell $5 making $71 to $105/head.

Heavy export lambs were in reasonable supply and all buyers were eager for a market share. Heavy and extra heavy lambs sold from $156 to $208/head to average 580c to 606c/kg cwt.

Mutton numbers increased and quality was mixed, with increased supplies of recently shorn sheep. Ewe mutton suitable for the trade sold $5 to $8/head cheaper to average 348c to 407c/kg cwt.

Heavy sheep were well supplied and demand was weaker for all classes. Heavy mutton sold from $97 to $134/head to average 397c/kg cwt.