Lamb numbers were steady but the quality slipped. Light 1 and 2 score store lambs were best supplied along with a small run of trade weights. Heavy and extra heavy lambs were limited. Not all the usual buyers were operating and restocking activity was subdued. The market was cheaper with the smaller buying group and plainer quality.

Restocking lambs were $8 cheaper with the 12-16kg 2 scores selling from $70 to $109 averaging $93/head. Most of the processing lambs averaged $10 to $14/head cheaper some lambs more. The medium and heavy trade weights ranged from $104 to $135/head.

Heavy lambs received $132 to $152 and extra heavy lambs topped at $161.20/head. Carcass prices averaged 540c to 565c/kg. The best of the heavy hoggets sold to $140/head.

Mutton numbers were steady and the quality was very mixed. Light sheep made up the majority and heavy crossbred ewes were limited. Prices eased $6 to $10/head with less competition. Light sheep sold from $55 to $97/head for full wool ewes. Heavy crossbred ewes sold from $96 to $130/head. Most averaged 380c to 400c/kg cwt.

Market Report: MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service

CLICK HERE to download the SELX Market Report – Prime Sheep & Lamb – 1 March 2017.

Photo: Pete Cusack with Duncan McGrath sold XB Lambs with Delta Agribusiness to a top of $156ph.