Another day another record at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 49,000

This week, the lamb market has shown a clear trend toward higher prices across all categories, marking a significant shift at Wagga with a larger yarding of lambs. According to agents in Wagga, this week has been particularly noteworthy, as it recorded the highest prices ever seen, with well-finished lambs surpassing the impressive threshold of 1300 cents per kilogram of carcass weight. This remarkable surge occurred despite a major northern processor focusing solely on the mutton market, highlighting the exceptional demand for lambs. The quality of lambs available was outstanding, with many benefiting from grain assistance, leading to intense bidding. Feedlot buyers were active at the sale, particularly pursuing plainer trade weight classes, which further contributed to the upward momentum in the market.

In detail, trade lambs weighing between 20-24 kg sold for prices ranging from $225 to $280, with some prices increasing by $10 to $20 as the sale progressed. Heavy trade lambs, weighing 24-26 kg, commanded impressive prices of up to $341. Merino trade lambs also saw strong competition, with prices ranging from $220 to $280, reflecting the overall trend of rising prices.

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The export market has emerged as a significant highlight, especially for large heavy lambs weighing around 41 kg, which sold for an impressive price of $441.20. This trend is evident in many sales exceeding the 1300 cents per kilogram carcass weight benchmark. Additionally, lambs in the 26-30 kg category sold for prices ranging from $320 to $375, further emphasising the strength of the sale.

The sheep yarding was mixed, presented to a large group of buyers, which was further enhanced by the return of a northern processor after winter maintenance. Competition was intense, and prices increased notably. Most sheep averaged between 700 and 800 cents per kilogram, with some sales exceeding the 800 cents per kilogram mark. Heavy sheep sold for prices between $245 and $320 per head, while trade sheep were well supplied and sold between $180 and $220 per head.

https://wagga.nsw.gov.au/business-investment/council-businesses/livestock-marketing-centre