Wagga Sheep Report

A stronger market last week brought more lambs and sheep to sale, with buyers competing keenly over all classes. Well-bred lambs attracted premium prices across the trade weight ranges, despite some presenting dry in the skin. The yarding comprised of a good percentage of trade and heavy young lambs carrying plenty of finish. An almost full field of buyers attended, though some were less active than usual. Restockers and feedlot buyers set the pace, particularly for young trade lambs, leaving domestic buyers to lift their bids.

Young trade lambs weighing 20–24kg sold for $244–$298, generally $5–$7 dearer, and averaged 1,192¢/kg cwt. Those weighing 24–26kg made $295–$328, averaging 1,189¢/kg cwt. Young heavy export lambs held firm to $7 dearer at $302–$354. Lambs weighing over 30kg cwt strengthened slightly, selling for $345–$405/head and averaging 1,082¢/kg cwt. Prices for lambs bought for paddock or feedlot orders ranged from $200 to $300, reflecting the wide variation in weights. Interstate buyers favoured heavier lambs, while local buyers were more interested in lighter stock.

Old trade lambs were limited and sold for $236–$293/head. Heavy export lambs ranged from $277 to $452/head, while better-type Merino lambs made $206–$294.

It was an outstanding yarding of mutton with a big offering of heavy ewes. Heavy sheep made from $226-$382 to average 873c/kg cwt. Trade sheep sold between $200 to $228 for the better types to average 942c/kg cwt.

Leann Dax, Market Reporter.