Lamb numbers were steady and the quality was slightly better in the light store lambs while the trade weights were a little plainer. Light lambs were well supplied and there was a reasonable number of trade weights but heavy lambs were in short supply. Not all the usual buyers were operating in a cheaper market.

Restocking lambs were $11 cheaper selling from $76 to $115 to average $100/head. The medium and heavy trade weights were $4 to $7/head cheaper with the lighter end having good competition from restockers. Prices ranged from $117 to $148/head to average 600c to 610c/kg cwt. Heavy lambs were $15 to $20/head easier with a few exporters not operating. Heavy lambs sold from $142 to $168/head. The best of the hoggets reached $145/head.

Mutton numbers were steady and the quality was very mixed. Prices fell $10 to $15 on the plainer 1 scores and $6 to $10/head on the heavy weights. Medium weight ewes sold from $76 to $110 and heavy crossbred ewes reached $134/head. Most averaged 410c/kg.

Market Report: MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service.

CLICK HERE to download the SELX Market Report – Prime Sheep & Lamb – 22 February 2017.

Photo: David Smith & Garry Apps, Ray White sold XB Lambs on behalf of Vicki Brewer, Boorowa to a top of $157ph.