VENDORS sold 42,000 sheep and lambs at the Wagga market on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s National Livestock Reporting Service, numbers improved on the back of prices increasing at various saleyards.
Quality across heavy lamb categories was outstanding, with limited supplies of lambs weighing above 30kg cwt.
Trade lambs were in reasonable numbers, although plenty of plainer stock needed better finishing.
There were a few pens of new season lambs in varying weight categories. Restockers were at the market, but most were reluctant to make purchases.
The trade market sold to strong competition and demand strengthened, as the sale progressed, lifting prices $8/head for the heavier trade lambs. Well finished trade lambs averaged 834c/kg cwt. New season lambs were limited and the better trade lambs sold from $139 to $200/head.
Heavy and extra heavy lambs were in high demand and once again, domestic buyers clashed with exporters. Lambs 26-30kg increased by $15, topping at $273, while lambs above 30kg cwt equalled last week’s record of $281.20/head.
Heavy Merino lambs set a new Australian record of $235.20/head, as the bulk averaged 753c/kg cwt. There was a mixed quality of mutton, with all weights and grades represented.
There was less buyer competition for heavy sheep, resulting in a cheaper trend of up to $20/head. Heavy sheep prices averaged 476c to 494c/kg cwt. Trade sheep were well supplied, making from $104 to $135/head, averaging 500c/kg cwt. Light sheep made from $80 to $104/head.
RELATED: