Wagga Sheep Report

Haymaking and the start of harvest reduced numbers significantly this week. Quality was mixed, with many lambs showing dryness in the skin. Fresh, well-finished lambs came from the east and attracted premiums, as did young lambs that had been recently shorn. Most regular buyers were operating, although a major supermarket was absent. Demand varied according to finish, with some buyers cautious about drier lamb’s growing wool rather than meat. Despite this, the market was solid, with a major feedlot helping establish a floor in prices.

Young trade lambs sold from $238 to $294/head, with many exceeding 1200c/kg cwt. The bulk averaged 1184c/kg cwt. Lambs weighing 24–26kg made $291–$319/head, down $8, and averaged 1158c/kg cwt. Store and feed-on lambs eased by $3–$10/head, with prices varying considerably by breed. Sales ranged from $199 to $280/head. Heavy export lambs weighing 26–30kg were well supplied and held firm at $315–$382/head. Numbers of lambs over 30kg were limited; they made $355–$382/head and averaged 1132c/kg cwt.

Old lambs were scarce, with most selling from $236 to $353/head. Merino trade lambs made $213–$300/head.

It was another very good yarding of mutton with most sheep carrying plenty of condition. Heavy sheep were keenly sought making from $245-$392, while trade sheep sold between $195-$254/head to average around 928c/kg cwt.

Leann Dax, Market Reporter.