Sheep market alert
06 March 2013
Supply tightens
National lamb supply at markets reported by MLA’s NLRS decreased 6% week-on-week. NSW lamb supply reduced 23% as rain restricted some supply. Victorian throughput was 17% higher due to the lift in prices of the previous week drawing more consignments. SA and WA Muchea sale was 8% and 9% lower respectively week-on-week.
National sheep supply was 4% lower week-on-week, however larger supplies were noted in Victoria, SA and WA.
Poorer quality in the south
Lamb quality in Victoria was generally poorer this week, with a number of pens being unfinished. Quality in NSW is still very good, with excellent pens of trade and heavy weight lambs at Dubbo. Restocker demand was strong at the majority of markets and feeder buyers were prominent at the SA Livestock Exchange.
The mutton yarding was of mixed quality across the majority of centres however Tamworth yarded some outstanding ewes and wethers in the best condition seen for some time.
Prices continue to improve
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s markets the eastern states restocker lamb indicator was 4¢ higher on 407¢/kg cwt. Merino lambs lifted 5¢ to 366¢, while light lambs gained 5¢ to 399¢/kg cwt. Trade lambs improved 2¢ to 436¢, while heavy lambs increased 7¢ to 443¢/kg cwt. The mutton indicator was 1¢ higher on 165¢/kg cwt.