With the return to the full trading week yardings increased at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS across all states, except for Victoria.
Also contributing to the larger numbers is that supply typically starts to lift at this time of year, as young lambs become more prevalent, while the current seasonal conditions have also meant that producers may decide to offload earlier than normal.
NSW recorded the largest gains of around 100% as Tamworth and Dubbo operated on Monday with larger yardings compared to fortnight ago levels.
SA lifted by two thirds as both Naracoorte and SA LE offered greater numbers.
WA and Tasmania also lifted, albeit by a limited amount. Going against the trend was Victoria where despite the gains at Ballarat, the smaller yarding at Bendigo resulted in state throughput easing just 4%. Mutton yardings were larger in all states however SA recorded a slight reduction.
Quality variations continue
All centres offered mixed quality lambs, although the young lambs were generally displaying plenty of freshness, particularly the trade and heavy weights.
The light lambs however are showing signs of the drying season. It was a similar situation with the mutton as variable quality runs of Merino ewes dominated.
Lambs dearer, mutton cheaper
At the close of Tuesday’s markets the eastern states restocker lamb indicator was stronger, up 13¢ to make 413¢/kg cwt. Merino lambs were steady on 312¢ as light lambs lifted 2¢ on 367¢/kg.
Trade weight lambs were steady on yesterday’s prices averaging 378¢, while heavy lambs lifted 1¢ on 381¢/kg. The mutton indicator fell a further 6¢ to settle on 158¢/kg cwt.
Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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