Which saleyards score the biggest premiums for producers?

27 Mar 2026

Key points

Mutton in Forbes receives a 13% premium above the national aggregate.
Merino lamb in Wagga maintains a marginal but long-term boost.
Restocker yearling steers in Roma receive a 6% premium.

Shifting market conditions are driving varied price performances across stock categories in different saleyards. Buyer activity, proximity to key infrastructure and weather all contribute to this evolving dynamic. In this article, MLA market analysts explore key examples and outline which saleyards are generating larger premiums for producers.

Mutton in Forbes

Since September 2025, an average premium of 13% over the Mutton Indicator or national aggregate was achieved in Forbes, while making up 13% of the average weekly contribution in the same period.

During the week of 14 September 2025, mutton sold in Forbes achieved its most significant premium – 20% (146¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) higher than the national aggregate of 688¢/kg cwt. It also made up 20% of the total contribution for that week.

While mutton in Forbes generally achieves strong results – averaging an 8% premium on the Mutton Indicator since the start of 2019 – the recent performance since September 2025 is a good indication of increased competition among processors and exporters in the area against a tightening supply.

Sam Mackay of Forbes Livestock Agency noted that Forbes saleyards are at a convenient location in relation to a number of buyers who are well represented.

Source: NLRS

Merino lambs in Wagga Wagga

There’s strong consistency across Merino lambs among saleyards (in terms of price), however, Wagga Wagga typically achieves marginally better results. Since 2019, Merino lambs sold there have averaged prices 3% higher than the national aggregate (indicated by the Merino Lamb Indicator). They also achieved better results than the national average for 69% of weekly sales across an average weekly contribution of 18%.

Wagga, as one of the most significant saleyards for sheep and lamb in the country, brings with it a significant level of competition, which explains the small price premium.

Restocker yearling steers in Roma

Since the beginning of 2019, restocker yearling steers sold in Roma have achieved an average result of 6% over the national aggregate, indicated by the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator. Roma typically forms a significant component of the national yarding, averaging 29% of the total contribution across that timeframe.

Out of a total of 361 weeks, prices in Roma were higher than those seen for the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator on 353 occasions (98% of the time). The consistency of this premium again demonstrates the significance of location with Roma as a key transport centre for cattle and its proximity to buyers as a contributing factor to increased competition and ultimately price.

Attribute content to: Alex Fry, MLA Market Information Analyst.

Information is correct at time of publication on 27 March 2026.

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