Heavy Crossbred Ewes sought after at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 38,000

Lamb numbers saw a significant decline this week, reflecting a fair to very good overall offering. Most trade and heavy lambs benefited from grain assistance, although the market notably lacked the large heavy lambs over 30 kg carcass weight that had characterised previous weeks. Trade lambs were well supplied, but the absence of some exporters, who had begun their winter maintenance programs, was felt at the sale.

Additionally, there were better runs of light lambs this week, most of which were on the younger side. This influx contributed to a strong market for both restocking types and lambs intended for feeding. Trade lamb prices were erratic, with some sales increasing by as much as $20. Lambs in the 20-24 kg range fetched between $190 and $272. Buyers actively sought better-presented heavy trade lambs weighing 24-26 kg, with prices ranging from $265 to $311 per head. Trade Merino lambs sold within a range of $196 to $258 per head, averaging around 991 cents per kg carcass weight. Light lambs with suitable weight and frame for feeding sold between $151 and $237 per head.

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On the export front, heavy lambs over 30 kg were in limited supply, and super-heavy types over 35 kg were not available at all. Lambs weighing over 30 kg commanded prices ranging from $320 to $345 per head, while those in the 26-30 kg category sold for between $270 and $330 per head. Heavy Merino lambs averaged $273 per head.

The quality of the mutton offering was mixed, and not all buyers attended the sale. Big heavy crossbred ewes were keenly sought after by several processors, reaching prices between $232 and $314 per head. Heavy Merino ewes over 30 kg carcass weight were in short supply, selling for $223 to $270 and averaging 670 cents per kg carcass weight. Trade sheep were well supplied, with the majority selling for between $152 and $195 per head.

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