Lamb numbers eased due to the Easter weekend. Quality was mixed with only a few pens of well finished trade and heavy lambs. Most lacked cover. Store lambs were in good numbers and sold strongly for the better breed lines. Not all the usual buyers operated in a mostly dearer market.

Restocking lambs were up to $14 dearer on the 2nd cross lambs with prices ranging from $97 to $134/head. Trade lambs were slightly cheaper with a reduction in quality. Medium and heavy trade weights sold from $132 to $156/head.

Heavy lambs were firm to $3 dearer receiving $150 to $187/head. Carcass prices averaged 645c to 675c/kg cwt. The best of the hoggets reached $135/head.

Mutton numbers fell and quality was mixed. Most of the medium and heavy mutton lifted $8 to $14/head. Medium weight ewes $90 to $124/head. Heavy crossbred ewes reached $172/head. Most averaged around 500c with some sales towards 570c/kg.

Market Report: MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service.

CLICK HERE to download the SELX Market Report – Prime Sheep & Lamb sale – 12 April 2017.

Photo: David Smith & Garry Apps, Ray White Livestock Boorowa, sold XB Lambs on behalf of Derneveagh P/C to a sale top of $187ph.