Wagga Sheep Market Report

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Report Date: 12th February 2026

Total Yarding: 64,000

Commentary

The sale saw a slightly smaller yarding, but the quality across all categories, including even the lighter weights, remained excellent. Only a few lambs were deemed plain, as most trade and heavy lambs were grain-fed, which provided buyers with both weight and yield. Not all buyers were active, and several domestic processors did not attend the sale. This week marked a shift in the dynamics of the sale, particularly with feedlots taking a dominant position in all classes under 26kg. Domestic processors applied no pressure, remaining very selective throughout the sale. Once again, feedlots and restockers underpinned the trade, particularly in the lightweight categories.

Trade lambs experienced fluctuating prices, with processors at times outbid by feedlots for the shorter skinned lambs. Trade lambs weighing 20-24 kg sold for $210-$277/head to average 1090c/kg while those in the 24-26 kg category faced patchy demand, fetching prices between $267 and $291/head. The bulk of the trade weight lambs, which possessed both weight and frame, sold primarily to lot feeders, ranging from $200 to $270. Feedlot competition came from various locations including Bendigo, Forbes, Dubbo, Condobolin, Loxton in South Australia, and the local area. Restockers paid between $143 and $227/head, with lambs that had begun on grain attracting stronger bidding.

On the export front, quality was outstanding, with all lambs displaying plenty of finish. Lambs in the 26-30kg eased slightly, making between $289 and $350/head. Those over 30 kg experienced intense bidding, selling for between $333 and $424, averaging 1070 c/kg cwt.

It was a mixed quality yarding with plainer sheep in bigger numbers. There were more buyers at the rail and the strongest competition was for Merino ewes supporting a big skin. Merino ewes weighing about 26kg cwt for example regularly sold between $230-$250 depending on skin length. Trade sheep sold from $169-$217/head to average 871c/kg cwt. Heavy ewes made from $214-$314 with the cross bred ewes averaging 788c, while the Merino ewe portion averaged 781c/kg cwt.

Leann Dax Market reporter.