WA weekly sheep and lamb summary
03 February 2012
Supply higher
Throughput increased at MLA’s NLRS reported markets following the resumption of a full trading week. Both markets recorded an increase in lamb supply with Katanning up 60% and Muchea gaining a modest 7%.
The hot dry weather continued throughout the state and is beginning to take effect on the condition of stock. There was an influx of light store lambs with considerable lines lacking finish. Trade lambs were in reasonable numbers however the heat affected presentation. Heavy lambs were in lower supply and competition was strong to secure quality pens. All the regular trade and export buyers were present and competition was strong to secure adequate numbers. Restocker and feeder demand was lower as the availability of feed diminishes. Despite the reduction in quality and the increase in supply lamb prices held ground with the majority of weight categories firm to slightly higher.
Sheep yardings amongst MLA’s NLRS reported centres experienced a mixed trend however overall supply was 20% higher. Katanning’s throughput increased 32% with ewe mutton dominating the yarding. Muchea’s numbers declined slightly.
Sheep quality was significantly lower and as with the lamb yarding the heat continues to erode the weight and condition of stock. Significantly more light weight ewes and wethers were penned and competition was selective. The majority of ewes were purchased to restock. Inconsistent competition for sheep resulted in an overall reduction in price with the majority of categories indicating a decline.
Prices variable
Light lambs to restockers averaged $83/head, as the light trades returning to the paddock sold closer to $91/head. Most of the medium weight lambs made from $105 to $108/head. Heavy trade lambs to a mixture of trade and live orders ranged mostly from $113 to $119/head. Heavy lambs made to $147.50 at Katanning as most sold closer to $130/head.
Light ewes to restockers made to $75.50 with the plain lean lines making closer to $46 as the better lines sold around $60/head. The medium weights, also to restockers, ranged mostly from $77 to $94.50 with sales to $116.50/head.The leaner end of the medium weight Merinos to slaughter sold around $81 while the 3 scores generally made in the mid $80 range after topping at $108/head. Only a few heavy ewes were offered.
A fair run of young wethers were offered with the medium weights averaging $91 as medium and heavy weights to live exporters ranged from $114 to $120/head. Wethers in small runs again, to restockers or live export only, made to $126/head. A fair run of light rams to restockers averaged $82/head.
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