WA weekly sheep summary
15 June 2012
Two cold fronts bring relief
The southern and central parts of WA experienced a week of rough weather as several severe cold fronts crossed the country. Most areas in the southern parts of WA recorded solid rainfall levels that were accompanied by very strong winds and cold temperatures.
The majority of areas have seen rainfall levels in excess of 25mm for the week and this has been a great relief for producers following on from the long weeks of dry and warm weather. Feed levels have responded positively to the increased moisture levels.
The wild weather coupled with reports of severe weather prompted agents to cancel Wednesday’s Katanning sheep sale. Subsequently sheep numbers sold through physical markets were less than half of what was seen the previous week despite Muchea’s yarding being considerably larger than its predecessor.
Crossbred lambs accounted for another healthy percentage of Muchea’s yarding, while ewe mutton volumes were more limited than expected at this time of year. Wether volumes remained minimal as were ewe hogget numbers with a reasonable percentage of Merino store lambs available.
The smaller supplies encouraged an increase in processor demand for the majority of slaughter grades with most classes recording dearer prices. There continued to be a positive effect on store demand with a solid restocker interest recorded.
Shorter supplies helps market
There was reasonable quality and weight available in both trade and heavy weight slaughter classes of crossbred lambs. Trade demand, predominately from domestic processors, increased in both trade and heavy weight classes less than 24kg cwt with extra heavy lambs in excess of this weight remaining difficult to sell on very limited demand. Crossbred lambs were up to $10/head dearer than the previous week. Demand for store crossbred lambs remained solid from both the restocker and feeder sectors.
Demand continued for better quality larger framed drafts of store crossbred wether lambs with overall price levels slightly higher than the previous week. Demand from the restocker sector for both wether and ewe Merino store lambs remained buoyant with little or change realised in prices.
Ewe mutton quality and weight remained mixed. Trade demand continued to increase, as has been the case in recent weeks, in the majority of categories. Heavy weight sales in excess of 24kg cwt were marginally dearer with medium and lightweight classes generally $4 to $5/head dearer. Demand for rams remained non-existent.