Tuesday daily sheep summary

Lamb consignments at Dubbo increased 64% this week, to 39,285 head. Quality was generally good despite the larger yarding, with some trade and heavy lines showing good condition. Most of the regular buyers operated, with competition solid, and the market only marginally cheaper overall.

Mutton numbers declined 13%, to 7,163 head. Most grades were represented, with quality varying across all categories.  

• • Trade weight 3 score lambs to processors were back 13¢, to 613¢/kg cwt
  • Heavy weight 4 score lambs averaged 3¢ lower, averaging 620¢/kg cwt
  • Extra heavy weight 4 score lambs were back 24¢, averaging 623¢/kg cwt
  • Medium weight 3 score Merino ewes gained 24¢, averaging 402¢/kg cwt

Lamb numbers at Bendigo increased 17%, to 10,256 head. Quality was plain, with the supply of quality trade and export lines limited. The market finished cheaper overall, with quality and weight fluctuations throughout all categories having an effect on the strength of the market.

Mutton throughput decreased 5%, to 1,739 head. Supply tightened, with the odd sale of heavy ewes selling to a slightly dearer trend.

• • Light weight 2 score first-cross lambs eased 33¢, to 564¢/kg cwt
  • Trade weight 3 score lambs to slaughter slipped 44¢, to 656¢/kg cwt
  • Heavy weight 3 score lambs averaged 637¢, back 29¢/kg cwt
  • Extra heavy weight 4 score lambs were up 7¢, to 640¢/kg cwt

At the close of Monday’s markets:

• • The eastern states restocker lamb indicator averaged 561¢, back 16¢/kg cwt from where it finished the previous day
  • Merino lambs were back 18¢, on 581¢/kg cwt
  • Light lambs were back 10¢, to 586¢/kg cwt
  • Trade lambs were back 10¢, to 630¢/kg cwt
  • Heavy lambs were back 8¢, to 647¢/kg cwt
  • The mutton indicator eased 3¢, on 393¢/kg cwt

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

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