Sheep and lamb supply across MLA’s NLRS reported physical markets increased with sheep numbers improving 28% and lamb supply was up 4%. The slightly larger lamb yarding occurred as to the western Victorian markets recorded significantly higher numbers during the week, causing Victorian numbers to lift 24%. NSW lamb supply held firm, whilst SA yarding declined 34% after a wet start to the week.
Nation mutton throughput improved with NSW supplies up 24% - the majority of the sheep emerging from the western regions. SA mutton yardings doubled, as both the Naracoorte and SA LE offered larger numbers, whilst WA consignments eased 5%.
Lamb quality slips away
Sheep and lamb quality has remained mixed across the country. More pens of lambs are showing signs of dryness after last week’s higher temperatures, yet supplies of new season lamb from regions enjoying solid seasons are still excellent to good in quality for this time of year. Quality throughout NSW continues to drop off with a greater proportion of store quality lambs offered. It is expected that consignments of fresh lines will be harder to source across the eastern seaboard as the season continues to heat up.
Mutton quality was mixed, as the better conditioned medium weight Merino ewes dominated the yarding. Skin prices remain mostly firm for uncontaminated skins, yet rates have eased for skins containing seeds and burr material. Demand for Merino sheep skins and new season lamb skins remain the strongest in the market.
Prices rally
At the close of Tuesday’s markets the eastern states sheep and lamb indicators displayed a weakening trend. This has predominately been due to supply of sheep and lamb increasing, as numbers continue to grow from week to week.
Restocker lamb lost 2¢ to finish at 419¢/kg cwt or $68/head. Merino lamb was 18¢ cheaper, to settle at 336¢/kg, whilst light lamb slipped 15¢/kg to 364¢/kg cwt. Supplies of trade lamb surged again, resulting in values easing 22¢ on last week to 364¢, while heavy trade lamb finished 21¢ cheaper at 355¢/kg cwt. Mutton prices remained strong, gaining 2¢ to finish at 295¢/kg cwt.
Source: MLA.com
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