Thursday daily sheep summary

Lamb numbers at CTLX declined 13% this week, to 6,500 head. Continued wet weather conditions saw numbers ease, with quality much plainer and a cheaper trend seen overall. Light weights were well represented, with prime trade and heavy sections limited, resulting in stronger demand from the usual buyers.

Mutton consignments decreased 29%, to 1,500 head. Quality was plainer across most categories, with Merino ewes well supplied.

• Light weight 2 score lambs to processors averaged 539¢, up 2¢/kg cwt
• Trade weight 2 score lambs to processors were back 6¢, to 628¢/kg cwt
• Extra Heavy weight 4 score lambs averaged 629¢, back 64¢/kg cwt
• Light weight 2 score Merino ewes eased 11¢, to 343¢/kg cwt 

At Hamilton, lamb throughput increased 3%, to 4,564 head. Quality was good to average this week, with fewer pens of heavier lambs on offer, and lighter weights making up the majority. The regular buyers were in attendance, with some operating more selectively in a mixed market.

Mutton numbers over doubled this week, to 4,386 head. All weights and grades were on offer, with some good to average lines of crossbred ewes penned.

• Light weight 2 score lambs to processors slipped 44¢, to 555¢/kg cwt
• Trade weight 3 score lambs to slaughter were back 9¢, to 665¢/kg cwt
• Heavy weight 3 score first-cross ewes gained 18¢, to 370¢/kg cwt
• Medium weight 2 score Merino wethers jumped 2¢, to 424¢/kg cwt  

At the close of Wednesday’s markets:

• The eastern states restocker lamb indicator averaged 534¢, back 1¢/kg cwt from where it finished the previous day
• Merino lambs were back 7¢, on 565¢/kg cwt
• Light lambs were back 10¢, to 555¢/kg cwt
• Trade lambs were back 5¢, to 609¢/kg cwt
• Heavy lambs were back 4¢, to 631¢/kg cwt
• The mutton indicator eased 5¢, on 384¢/kg cwt

For the full list of sheep market reports, please click here                                                 

Note: All yardings and prices referenced are from MLA reported saleyards.