NSW sheep and lamb summary

03 February 2012

Supply jumps

Lamb supply across MLA’s NLRS reported physical markets has more than doubled with the inclusion of Wagga’s market. The recent increase in numbers was partly due to the Australia day holiday last week. Tamworth was the only market to experience a slight decrease in throughput, down 6%, with recent rain a major factor in supply.  All other centres recorded higher supply with CTLX and Wagga increasing significantly. Supply at Forbes increased 11% while Goulburn yarded slightly more numbers. With ample lightweight lambs flooding the market at Dubbo increased 2%.

Lamb quality has generally improved across NSW with shorn lambs in increasing supply. Trade, heavy and extra heavy lambs made up the majority of offerings across most markets. At Wagga’s market restocker lambs remained limited, with greater numbers of Merino lambs penned.

The usual processor buyers were present and competition was strong in a slightly dearer market. Restocker and feeder buyers were active across the majority of markets.

Sheep throughput increased slightly, up ­­3%. CTLX was the highest contributor increasing their yarding by 50%. Forbes and Tamworth both recorded lower sales, down 21% and 32% respectively. Dubbo recorded the most significant drop of more than half, while supply at Goulburn remained unchanged

Mutton quality was mixed with all categories represented which saw prices firm to dearer. Light 2 and 3 score Merino ewes dominated the market. Mutton prices have decreased slightly with the state indictor firm, down ­­1¢ to 304¢/kg cwt. 

Lamb quality improves

Prices for lambs were firm to slightly dearer, with generous supplies of trade and heavy weights offered competition was strong. Light lambs were in demand with restocker and feeder buyers in hot pursuit for purchases. Light 1 score restocker lambs ranged from $57 to $78 to be $21/head dearer to average 532¢/kg cwt.

Ample supplies of 3 score trade lambs sold from $97 to $121 to be $5/head dearer or to average 489¢/kg cwt. Heavy 4 score suitable for trade were in greater numbers and ranged from 458¢ to 520¢ to average 495¢/kg cwt. Extra heavy 4 score lambs sold to a top of $175 to averaged $157/head or428¢/kg cwt.  

Mutton supply was firm, although lacking quality however demand strengthened over all categories. Medium weight 1 score Merino ewes averaged $67 to be $9/head dearer to average 236¢/kg cwt. Medium weight 2 score Merino ewes averaged $75 or 278¢/kg cwt, while the 3 score portion averaged $90/head or 331¢/kg cwt. Heavy first cross 3 score ewes sold from $80 to $107/head to average 323¢/kg cwt.

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