Griffith Sheep Sale Report

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Report Date: 13th December 2024

Total Yarding: 9,100

Commentary

Numbers declined for the last sale of the year at Griffith, the yarding back to 5000 lambs and 4100 sheep. The notable aspect of the lamb run was the lack of weight, with very few lambs over 26kg cwt offered. The bulk of the yarding was mixed trades and lighter types, with Dorpers accounting for a reasonable percentage of supply. Buyers did show a preference for shorn lambs over the drier woolly lambs. Prices were dearer for any of the better presented lead run of lambs, while results tended to vary over the plainer run of trades in the 20-24kg cwt range.

The best presented heavy trade lambs $215 to a top of $266/head, with some pens selling well into the 900c/kg price range for an average result of 830c to 920c/kg cwt. Mixed and medium and lighter trade lambs $160 to $200/head. Lighter lambs under 20kg cwt $115 to $154 for the better quality types, smallest and plainest pens $46 to $90/head. Most of the lighter lambs tended to be in smaller clean-up lots with few lines to suit restockers.

The mutton run was significantly dearer for sheep with weight and fat cover as a couple of exporters pushed for numbers. There was heavy sheep estimated at 450c to 500c/kg cwt and higher at times. Competition was not as animated for very light ewes in score 1 and 2 condition. Heavy Merino ewes from $121 to a top of $185/head for woolly sheep. Heavy Dorper ewes sold to $155/head. General run of trades sheep $70 to $110/head. Very light score 1 ewes $29 to $53/head.

Note: This was the final Griffith prime market for 2024. Selling will recommence on Friday January 10, 2025.

Market reporter: Jenny Kelly