Lighter Lambs in demand at Ballarat

Yarding: 13,941

Lamb numbers dipped slightly to 8,900. The lambs off feed were presented in excellent condition; however, the quality quickly declined to plainer types that lacked weight and shape in a winter yarding meant for cleanup lots. Not all the usual buyers were present, and with additional competition from store buyers, the market results were mixed.

Light store lambs saw increased interest this week, gaining between $6 to $15 per head in certain places. Light trade lambs sold for about $8 more, while medium trade lambs remained firm, gaining up to $8. Heavy trade lambs experienced a decline, dropping by $5 per head. Heavy export lambs were limited, selling at a top price of $440, with sales largely firm but $8 softer in some instances.

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Feeders and restockers paid prices ranging from under $100 to $218 per head. Light trade lambs sold between $120 and $190, while medium trade made between $195 and $256. Heavy trade lambs sold for between $237 and $328 per head, resulting in a wide average range from 950c to 1130c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs weighing over 26 to 30 kg sold between $330 and $389, and those over 30 kg sold for $375 to $440 per head.

Agents penned just over 5,000 sheep. There were fewer buyers at the rail this week, resulting in a mostly firm to softer market. Merino wethers sold for $90 to $140 for lighter weights, while heavier weights went for $136 to $233 per head, slipping by $11 or more in some instances. Light weight Merino ewes sold for $69 to $136, decreasing by $5, whereas heavier Merino ewes made $138 to $258, with one exceptional pen of heavy ewes selling for $290 per head. Light weight crossbred mutton sold between $75 and $180, while heavier weights ranged from $180 to $270, with a decline of $20 per head in some areas.

https://www.bssaa.com.au/