Wagga Sheep Market Report

All data provided by 

Report Date: 2nd May 2024

Total Yarding: 58,000

Commentary

It was a bigger yarding, mostly due to last week’s Anzac Public holiday. It took a bit of time for buyers to find their footing, resulting in significant price fluctuations. Woolly lambs were marked down, while buyers eagerly sought lambs with shorter skins, and became increasingly willing to pay premium rates as the sale unfolded. Support from feedlot and restocker buyers helped underpin the trade market.

In the trade market, prices were fluctuating, with lambs weighing between 20kg to 24kg fetching anywhere from $128 to $177, averaging 680c to705c/kg, however it must be noted, top pens of lambs continually hit 750c/kg cwt. Meanwhile, lambs weighing between 25kg to 26 kg sold for prices ranging from $171 to $190/head. Better presented Merino lambs ranged from $124 to $198/head Lambs intended for the paddock or feedlots with weight and frame sold for prices ranging from $98 to $155/head

In the export market, competition was inconsistent at times, with buyers showing a preference for larger, super-sized types. Lambs weighing between 26kg to 30kg sold from $174 to $209, while those over 30kg cwt fetched prices between $202 to $257/head.

Additionally in the mutton sale, not all buyers participated or were present. Buyers interested in heavy sheep aimed to secure stock under $100, with only a few sales surpassing this mark. Prices for heavy sheep ranged from $80 to $110. Meanwhile, trade sheep faced varying levels of competition, resulting in an average price around 264c/kg cwt.