Hamilton Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Hamilton agents yarded 12,000 lambs this week, an increase of 1,500 head on last week, along with 6,500 sheep, which was 2,000 more than the previous offering. It was another good-quality yarding of shorn lambs, with excellent finish and shape evident in the top end. The increased numbers resulted in more lambs being available that were suitable for feeding on or returning to the paddock.

All of the regular buying group were present, although not all buyers were fully active. The market was firm to slightly dearer overall. Trade lambs generally averaged between 1,140c and 1,260c/kg cwt, with prices improving by $8 to $10/head in places. Top prices reached $405/head. Lambs suitable for feed or the paddock generally sold from $180 to $264/head and averaged 1,200c to 1,300c/kg cwt, and were also dearer in places.

Light lambs weighing 12kg to 16kg sold from $180 to $238/head. Trade lambs weighing 18kg to 22kg made between $235 and $262/head. Lambs in the 22kg to 26kg weight range sold from $255 to $305, while heavier trade lambs made from $315 through to a top of $405/head. Hoggets sold to a top of $308/head.

Sheep sold under very strong competition, with prices improving by around $10/head. Most medium and light trade weight sheep averaged between 840c and 890c, with some lines exceeding 900c/kg cwt. Heavy sheep were slightly back on the lighter categories, making between 700 and 780c/kg cwt. Crossbred ewes sold to $300, while Merino wethers with skin reached $263 and Merino ewes with skin sold to $255/head. Terminal rams made up to $122, and Merino rams with skin sold to $125/head.