Restocker activity increased significantly, recording a top price of $166/head. The domestic lamb market was buoyant over all classes, despite quality factors affecting some pen lots. The bulk of the heavy trade lambs 22-24kg made from $176 to $194/head to average 764c/kg cwt.

Light and medium trade weights averaged 794c/kg cwt. Merino trade lambs were keenly sought, making from $146 to $180/head. The limited availability of quality store lambs pushed prices $20/head dearer in places. Well-bred store lambs with plenty of frame sold from $126 to $166/head.

Shorn lambs suitable to feed on attracted premium prices, making from $141 to $167/head. Prices for heavy lambs strengthened, led by strong domestic competition at times throughout the sale. Generally, heavy lambs 24-26 sold from $188 to $208/head.

The bulk of the extra heavy lambs lifted by $10 to $20, topping at $259/head to average 713c/kg cwt. The anticipation of wet weather and shortage of heavy sheep to fill Chinese orders kicked the mutton sale into overdrive. An Australian record was set for ewes, with a major export company paying $237.20/head for 150 crossbreds.

Additionally, 156 supplementary fed wethers weighing approximately 35kg cwt sold for $233.60/head.

There were numerous sales above $200/head for Merino and crossbred ewes. Heavy crossbred ewes topped at $232/head to average 552c/kg cwt.