Mutton continues its rise at Bendigo

Yarding - 21,450

The market for lambs remains steady, with around 13,500 lambs sold, approximately 9,000 of which are new season lambs. The quality of these lambs is generally very good, although many younger lambs are starting to show signs of drying off, which is affecting price outcomes. This has resulted in a wider range of prices per kilogram across the sale.

Overall, the market has shown a trend of either firm or slightly lower prices. The main runs of trade lambs were about $5 per head lower than last week, while the heaviest young lambs dropped by $10 to $20 in some instances due to reduced competition for weight. The best-selling segment comprised well-presented supermarket-style lambs. For example, the leading batch of 24-26 kg cwt lambs sold for between $260 and $320 per head, equating to estimated costs ranging from 1040c to over $12 per kg cwt at the top end. The average price for processors was approximately 1130c/kg cwt.

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Competition for younger store and feeder lambs remained strong, although c/kg costs have begun to ease, averaging under $12/kg cwt in this market. Old season lamb prices were lower due to mixed quality. The heaviest young lambs sold for between $330 and a top price of $378 per head, with some lambs not sold when the market hit a flat spot mid-sale. Most young lambs fell into the medium to heavy trade category, with prices ranging from $235 to $320 per head. Restockers were again active, purchasing lines under 24 kg cwt for $230 to $251 per head. Meanwhile, smaller crossbred store lambs ranged from $160 to $230 per head. Quality was very mixed in the old season lamb category, leading to cheaper prices as not all processors were active, with some focusing solely on purchasing new season stock. Prices for old lambs varied widely, between 950c and 1200c/kg cwt, depending on skin presentation, breed quality, and the number in each pen. Lines of plain and light old season Merino lambs were notably cheaper.

Sheep prices remained strong, with trends mostly firm to higher, and some light ewes gaining $20. Most averages fell within the range of 770c to 850c/kg cwt, with this price paid for sheep that typically exhibited good weight and condition. Big crossbred ewes sold for between $250 and $302 per head, while large Merinos sold for between $230 and $293 per head. Good quality light and trade sheep ranged from $150 to $230 per head.

https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Bendigo-Livestock-Exchange