Hamilton Sheep & Lamb Market Report

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Report Date: 15th April 2026

Total Yarding: 18,400

Commentary

Hamilton Agents yarded 13,500 lambs this week which was 500 fewer than last week along with 5,200 sheep having an increase of 1,900 head. It was another very good quality yarding of shorn lambs displaying good finish and shape at the top end. However quality dropped off more quickly this week with lambs suitable for returning to the paddock or for further feeding available at the lower end.
All regular buying groups were present although not all were fully active. The market was firm to slightly softer in places particularly for heavier trade lambs which eased by $8 to $10/head. Light trade lambs weighing 22 to 24 kg remained firm to slightly dearer in places. Most lambs ranged between 1160 and 1340c/kg cwt with prices topping at $403/head.

Lambs suitable to feed on or return to the paddock generally made between $180 and $298/head averaging 1200 to 1400c/kg cwt to remain firm. Light lambs weighing 12 to 16 kg sold from $180 to $237 while trade lambs weighing 18 to 22 kg made $224 to $268/head. Lambs in the 22 to 26 kg range sold from $260 to $298 with heavier trade lambs making from $300 to a top of $403/head. Hoggets sold to $276/head.

Sheep sold to weaker competition despite a much improved quality yarding with prices generally $10 to $20/head softer across most categories particularly for light sheep. Most medium and light trade weight sheep averaged between 800 and 890c/kg cwt while heavy sheep sold slightly lower at 670 to 780c/kg cwt. Crossbred ewes sold to $306 with Merino wethers to $210 and Merino ewes to $240/head. Terminal rams sold to $68 while Merino rams with skin sold to $159/head.

Market Reporter: Chris Agnew, MLA