Numbers declined and quality across trade classes was notably plainer, with reduced numbers of well finished lambs.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service agents offered 6000 new-season lambs which comprised of medium and heavy lines along with a few pens of lighter weights.

Prices fell substantially over all categories as both domestic and export processors backed off throughout the market causing price trends to become erratic.

All buyers were present, however not all operated. Store orders were few, with most light lambs the tail end of producer’s supplies. Prices fluctuated in the trade market, with well finished shorn lambs and new season young lambs benefiting from the strongest bidding.

New season lambs made from $119 to $156/head to average 595c/kg cwt.

Grain fed and shorter skinned trade lambs attracted solid competition while longer wool lambs were overlooked by some processors.

Old trade lambs sold $9 to $10/head cheaper.

The better finished 22-24kg sold at $130 to $158/head averaging 586c/kg cwt. Merino trade lambs made from $102 to $145/head.

Lighter weight lambs suitable to restock sold at $89 to $115/head.

Heavy lamb prices again fell this week, with not all processors operating.

Competition was weaker and prices declined $8/head to record an average carcass weight price of 570c/kg.

It was a fair to good quality offering of sheep, with all weights and grades represented. Most buyers were operating, with a major processor also returning after the completion of winter maintenance.

Heavy cross bred ewes sold $10 cheaper to average 308c while the Merino portion slipped $6/head to average 402c/kg cwt.

Trade sheep sold up to $10 cheaper selling from $74 to $112/head.