Sheep maket alert

08 February 2012

Lamb and sheep numbers higher

National lamb consignments at MLA’s NLRS reported physical markets have lifted 22% so far this week. Sheep throughout almost doubled off the low base experienced since the beginning of the year.

Victorian centres contributed to most lambs to the national supply with just over 50,000 head yarded so far this week. Both the Ballarat and Bendigo markets penned slightly more lambs, with the solid numbers of heavy and extra heavy lambs. NSW realised the greatest increase of 47% with Dubbo and Forbes drastically increasing throughput. Both SA and WA have also recorded greater lamb numbers as all centres increasing week on week.

Sheep yardings were up across all states, with NSW and Victoria more than doubling supply. WA yarded 6% more sheep, whilst SA numbers increased 30%.

Quality mixed across the states

Lamb quality has remained mixed, however good quality lambs carrying plenty of weight and finish were easier to source. Store lambs remain in good supply, however restockers and feeders were not as active. All the major trade and processor buyers have been attending however some have been selective with purchases.

Eastern states indicators down

Restocker and light lambs suffered further price falls with the restocking lambs the most affected. Restocker lambs fell 41¢ to 481¢ as the light lamb prices dropped 20¢ to 467¢/kg cwt. Merino lambs were the only category to record a slight gain to 446¢/kg cwt. Trade lambs declined on last week at 476¢ while heavy lambs were 14¢ lower on 462¢/kg cwt. Mutton was back 11¢ settling at 293¢/kg cwt.

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