Hamilton Sheep & Lamb Market Report

All data provided by 

Report Date: 26th August 2026

Total Yarding: 2,500

Commentary

Hamilton agents yarded 1,250 lambs to be 1,250 fewer than last week’s offering along with 1,250 sheep which was 250 more than the previous week. The lamb yarding was very small with quality mixed throughout. The better end of the offering consisted largely of supplementary-fed medium to heavy trade lambs while only a limited number of quality lightweight trade lambs were available. Not all regular buyers were present and some of those attending were not active. Despite this, the market was generally firm to dearer particularly for supplementary-fed lambs which improved by $10 to $15/head in places. Trade buyers paid rates averaging between 950c and 1200c/kg cwt with lambs topping at $388/head.

Light lambs weighing 12 to 16kg sold from $181 to $203/head while trade lambs weighing 18 to 22kg made $185 to $235/head. Lambs in the 22 to 26kg range sold from $232 to $289 and heavier trade lambs made from $279 to a top of $388/head. Hoggets sold to $270/head.

In the small sheep offering most categories remained firm with some sales up to $10 dearer. Mutton averaged between 750c and 930c/kg carcase weight. Crossbred ewes sold to $305 with Merino ewes to $242 and Merino wethers to $240/head. Terminal rams sold to $176 while Merino rams with skin reached $215/head.

Market Reporter: Chris Agnew, MLA.