Mini correction at Ballarat

Yarding: 22,713

Lamb numbers increased this week, with 8,500 new season lambs and 6,400 old lambs yarded. The quality varied; new season lambs were mostly in very good condition, although some lots were starting to dry out in their skins. In contrast, old lambs had a wider range of quality, from plainer lots lacking weight and shape to more desirable lambs with good cover.

Most of the usual buyers attended, but the market was softer compared to the previous two very strong and buoyant sales. New season lambs sold for $5 to $10 less than last week. Lambs under 20 kg cwt sold between $185 and $236, while those weighing 20 to 26 kg cwt fetched between $230 and $320, dropping $10 to $20 per head and averaging 1080c to 1200c/kg cwt. Restockers purchased lambs for $99 to $169, while feeders paid between $176 and $240 per head.

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Old lambs also experienced a downward trend, with plainer lots selling for up to $30 less than last week, and better quality lambs decreasing by $5 to $12 per head. Lambs sold to the trade ranged from $90 to $268 per head, averaging between 900c and 1030c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs over 26 kg made between $278 and $340 per head, with an increase in weight offered this week.

Sheep numbers remained similar, with 8,500 yarded. The quality of sheep improved overall, and all the usual buyers were present in a softer market across all weights and grades. Merino wethers sold for $171 to $210, averaging $8 to $18 less per head. Merino ewes declined by $10 to $20 per head, with light weights selling for $52 to $182 and heavy weight Merino ewes selling for $184 to $220 per head, averaging 700c to 760c/kg cwt. Crossbred mutton sold for $117 to $255, averaging $30 less per head, with average prices between 650c and 750c/kg cwt.

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