Lamb numbers increased and the quality improved to be fair to good. Light unfinished lambs were still well supplied and there was a better run of trade and heavy lambs that were suitable for the processors. Merino lambs showed an increase in both store and trade weights. All the usual buyers were operating in a firm market.

Light restocking lambs sold from $108 to $138/head. The medium and heavy trade lambs were firm to $2 cheaper and ranged from $132 to $160/head. Heavy lambs were similar and sold from $146 to $184 with the limited extra heavy lambs reaching $189/head. Carcass prices averaged between 600c and 650c/kg cwt for processing lambs. The best of the hoggets reached $167/head.

Mutton numbers lifted and the quality was mixed with mostly light and medium weights ewes offered. There were a few good runs of shorn Merino wethers. Prices were firm . Light sheep ranged from $71 to $101/head. Medium weights sold from $101 to $135 and heavy crossbred ewes reached $175/head. Most averaged around 520c/kg cwt.

Market Report: MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service.

CLICK HERE to download the SELX Market Report – Prime Sheep & Lamb sale – 26 April 2017.

Photo: Mark Joliffe, Gerrard & Partners sold 193 XB Lambs on behalf of Crowther P, Crowther to a sale top of $189ph.