Despite an initial estimate of 70,800 for the yarding vendors offered and sold 59,420 sheep and lambs in what was described as a subdued market.

Prices dropped by $10 to $20 across most lines and more in places. On a positive note the sale, and the onset of rain, set the scene for the Legacy Stock Drive. 

According to Meat and Livestock Australia national livestock reporting service reporter Leann Dax quality across the heavy old lamb categories was mixed.

Trade lamb quality continues to be mixed under the pressure of the season.

There were 20,100 head of new season lambs offered and the bulk weighed 18-22kg cwt.

Heavy young lambs were limited. All light lambs sold to weaker demand from processors.

Lambs to turnout or feed sold to mixed price trends. The trade market sold to weaker trends, with the market lacking the intensity of past weeks. New season trade lambs sold $10 to $26/head cheaper. The bulk of the new season trade lambs made from $148 to $224/head to average 879c/kg cwt. Old trade lambs sold up to $24 cheaper, making from $145 to $216/head to average 796c/kg cwt. New season heavy and extra heavy lambs sold to subdued demand, as some processors made no purchases.

The bulk of the heavy new season lambs sold from $233 to $247/head. Heavy and extra heavy trade lambs sold from $211 to $300.20/head, averaging 887c/kg cwt. Store lambs varied in price depending on breed and weight, the bulk making from $63 to $154/head.

It was a mixed quality offering of mutton, with all weights and grades represented.

The market tracked $10 to $14/head cheaper for heavy sheep.

Heavy ewe mutton recorded a top price of $195.20/head to average 496c/kg cwt. Trade sheep were well supplied, making from $96 to $135/head to average 476c/kg cwt. Light sheep made from $66 to $84/head.

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