Hamilton Sheep Market Report

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Report Date: 23rd April 2025

Total Yarding: 8,050

Commentary

Hamilton agents presented a reduced yarding of 5800 lambs along with 2250 sheep representing a decrease of 18870 on the previous market held 2 weeks ago. The lead lambs were idea trade weight and finish over approximately 30% of the offering. The balance tailed off with younger lighter lambs lacking condition due to the dry conditions. There were very few extra heavy lambs on offer for most of the regular buying panel that were present. The market was strong throughout with the lambs over 26kg cwt to be dearer by $10/head with the lighter weights 20 to 26kg also gaining $15 to $20/head.

Well finished lambs to the trade were realizing between 840 and 930c/kg cwt with heavy lambs topping at $240/head. Feeder and restocker competition was strong for the lighter end lambs with sales dearer by $10 to $15/head in places and realizing between 850 and 930c/kg cwt driven by local and interstate orders. Light lambs 12 to 16kg sold from $100 to $148/head with the 18 to 22kg making from $149 to $168/head and 22 to 26kg’s sold from $177 to $220/head with the shorn lambs topping at $240/head. Hoggets sold to $208/head.

A good yarding of trade sheep consisting of both Merino and crossbreds were on offer with not all buyers present and/or active. The market was stronger by $20 to $28/head with mutton costing between 500 and 600c/kg cwt and more on selected pens. Heavy crossbred ewes sold to $195 and Merino ewes to $136 and Merino wethers selling to $160/head.