Total Yarding:  21,406

Number increased by approximately 4,000 sheep and lambs. The quality was mixed with very few old lambs offered this week and more new season fresh lambs available. All the regular spring buying group were present, operating in an erratic market at times throughout the sheep run. Prices started out strong with some outstanding new season lambs, however, steadied as the sale progressed.

The quality of new season lambs was good and the numbers increased. Light and medium trade lambs sold from $154 to $179, selling firm to $2/head easier. Light lambs suiting the feedlot buyers were well supplied and keenly sought after, making from $128 and $161, with the light lambs to the processors selling from $115 to $154, gaining up to $12/head in places. Heavy trade lambs lost momentum from last week, making from $177 to $187, easing $3/head to average 770c/kg cwt. The competition was not so strong this week across the heavy lamb, with prices easing $3, selling from $190 to $204/head. Export buyers were a little subdued in the heavy export lamb category with the 26-30kg lambs selling from $210 to $226, averaging 763c/kg, easing $11/head. Old season lambs were very scarce with the over 30kg lambs making up to $240/head, to average 668c/kg cwt.

A very good selection of heavy and light mutton was available with bidding a little less urgent than last week. Well finished heavy 4 score crossbred ewes eased $11, making from $146 to $182/head, to average 580c/kg cwt. The Merino 4 score ewes reached $190 and the 2 and 3 score ewes sold from $95 to $147/head.

Market Report: MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service.

Photo: Gerrard & Partners sold 18 Merino suckers on behalf of Sugarloaf Holsteins, Young, for $214.6 ph.

Click here to download the full SELX Market Report– Prime Sheep and Lamb sale – 9 October 2019.