Wagga Sheep Market Report

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Report Date: 11th September 2025

Total Yarding: 34,000

Commentary

There was a notable decline in numbers, with lambs reflecting the most significant decrease. This week, a total of 8,400 new season lambs were yarded, with an improvement in quality, with better finish in both the trade and heavy categories. The balance of these lambs weighed in under 20kg cwt. However, the market dynamics were affected by the participation levels of domestic buyers, as not all were present at the sale, and several domestic and export processors did not operate at full capacity. One major exporter closely monitored the market but did not bid.

In terms of pricing, new season trade lambs sold either side of firm. Lambs weighing between 21-24 kg cwt fetched prices ranging from $248 to $295, averaging 1190c/kg cwt. The 24-26 kg category had limited numbers in each agents run, commanding prices from $298 to $315, with an average of 1178 c/kg cwt. Notably, a single pen of lambs over 26/kg sold for $345 per head. Store lambs were also in demand, with buyers willing to pay a wide range in prices, influenced by breed, weight and fat cover. Prices for these lambs ranged from $148 to $265/head. A good portion of store lambs were destined for Coonamble, Forbes, Griffith, Ballarat, and local feedlots.

In contrast, old trade lambs saw a significant price drop of around $20, selling from $200 to $288/head and averaging 1147 c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs were scarce compared to other weeks, with prices ranging from $299 to $378/head averaging approximately 1148c/kg cwt.

The mutton sale was the highlight, with recent rain the market driver, with all buyers requiring stock. Prices in general surged $30-$40/head. Heavy sheep ranged from $200-$290 to average 753c/kg cwt. A few buyers dropped their weights to secure stock, resulting in prices gaining momentum as the sale progressed. Trade sheep sold between $164-$211 to average 847c/kg cwt.