Merino Ewes sought after at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 49,000

Lamb numbers increased, while sheep supplies experienced a decline. The offering included 17,650 new season lambs, and the quality was very good, notably including well-bred store lambs. However, the quality of old lambs was mixed, with some being excellent and others less appealing. The usual buyers were present at the sale, but not all were active due to the upcoming football public holiday in Victoria. This led to a market that lacked the intensity seen in previous weeks, with some buyers operating within a limited range.

Overall, prices fell by $10 to $20 for well-finished types, particularly affecting old lambs, which struggled to find willing buyers at times. New season trade lambs were in very good condition, with many pens showcasing excellent finish and shape. Lambs weighing between 21-24 kg experienced a price reduction of $6 to $12, selling between $236 and $293 per head. The 24-26 kg weight range performed better, supported by interest from two southern processors and a major domestic buyer, with prices easing only $4 to average 1158 cents per kilogram.

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Heavy export young lambs in the 26-30 kg category sold for $15 less, fetching between $314 and $345 per head. Young lambs over 30 kg achieved prices between $351 and $390, averaging 1131 cents per kilogram carcass weight. Store lambs faced significant price drops, with several orders missing from the sale, leading to declines of $24 to $38 per head. Store lambs weighing 13-19 kg sold for $152 to $193 each, while those with more fat cover and trade types ranged from $244 to $254. Shorn old lambs attracted the most buyers, but those weighing 20-26 kg sold for $20 to $31 per head less, despite some excellent runs. The majority sold between $198 and $306. Heavy export lambs also saw a decrease, selling up to $31 cheaper, with prices ranging from $304 to $385 per head. Tracking the prices of Merino trade lambs was challenging, with sales ranging from $198 to $285 per head, while heavy Merino lambs sold for $290 and $345 per head.

The yarding of mutton was very good, particularly among Merino ewes. Heavy Merino ewes were keenly sought after, selling from $254 to $300, averaging 825 cents per kilogram carcass weight. Heavy crossbred ewes with good weight sold for $255 to $290 per head. Trade sheep with some cover sold for $186 to $214 per head.

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