Deniliquin Sheep Report
Report Date: 10th September 2024
Total Yarding: 16,000
Commentary
The spring flush of new season lambs began in earnest at Deniliquin this week, the draw lifting to 16,000 head. The condition and presentation of the top young lambs was excellent, and the numbers and quality did draw out all the major processors. Prices matched the levels of recent young lamb sales at an estimated 820c to 900c/kg on the lead runs showing weight and hard carcass finish. Price results for old season lambs were mixed depending on quality, any of the better presented types off feed dearer than a fortnight ago. The mutton sale was cheaper.
One small pen of 19 extra heavy young lambs over 30kg cwt topped at $260, but only four lots had enough weight to sell above $250/head. Most of the lead runs of crossbreds were in the 24-27kg cwt range and sold from $210 to $240/head at 820c to 900c/kg to average an estimated 870c/kg cwt. Processor support for lambs under 23kg cwt and with less hard finish was more varied at $160 to $195/head depending on quality, showing a range of 750c to 800c/kg cwt. As a rule the better presented and bred young lambs sold above 800c/kg cwt. Some heavy Dorper young lambs sold from $194 to $230/head. Restockers from Griffith, Bendigo and Echuca were active, paying to $160/head for bigger framed young crossbred lambs to shear and from $110 to $138/head for more genuine sized store lambs.
The market for old season lambs performed around quality, the best pens of trade and heavy types in short skins and off grain were dearer and trended above 800c/kg cwt. Clean of lots of old lambs were sometimes cheaper than a fortnight ago.
While there was good energy around the lamb market, competition for mutton was subdued. Prices were cheaper at an estimated 260c to 330c/kg cwt over the general run of ewes, some younger wethers at a slightly higher price point. Heavy Merino wethers in a skin to $119, crossbred ewes to $97 and with most sheep from $50 to $90/head.
Market reporter: Jenny Kelly
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