There was a 4% reduction week-on-week in the number of lambs offered at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS.
This was primarily caused by the cancellation of the Hamilton sale due to maintenance and a 14% reduction at Bendigo after last week’s surge in yardings.
Numbers at Horsham was up by a modest fraction while Ballarat experienced a much 43% increase in lambs yarded.
Across all reported markets there were around 35,500 young lambs available, which was a 5% reduction on last week.
In contrast, sheep supply was up by 7% with greater numbers at all centres. Ballarat climbed nearly 40%, Horsham increased 12% while Bendigo’s yarding was 9% larger.
Lamb quality on the rise
There has been some spring rain recorded across much of the state, with welcome falls in western and central regions. This has ignited interest from restockers for unfinished young lambs.
Young lamb quality is improving across most markets, with a good balance of all categories presented. Mutton quality was varied, with more light weights penned
All the usual buyers were operating with good competition between restockers, feeders and processors for light young lambs. Demand was also generally stronger from processors for trade weights.
Mixed market trends
A slightly heavier selection of store lambs was purchased by restockers at $64/head. The Merino lambs remained close to firm with most making around $62/head however carcass weight prices fell 22¢ to 288¢/kg cwt.
Light lambs secured by the trade lost 16¢ to 383¢/kg cwt.
The trade lambs gained 6¢ to average 373¢/kg cwt. Heavy lambs though were cheaper by 15¢ at 378¢/kg cwt. Mutton prices improved by 4¢ to 156¢/kg cwt.
Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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