Mutton price surge at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 34,000

There was a notable decline in numbers, with lambs experiencing the most significant decrease. This week, a total of 8,400 new season lambs were yarded, and there was an improvement in quality, with better finishing noted in both the trade and heavy categories. The majority of these lambs weighed in at under 20 kg cwt. However, the market dynamics were influenced by the participation levels of domestic buyers, as not all were present at the sale. Additionally, several domestic and export processors did not operate at full capacity. One major exporter closely monitored the market but did not place any bids.

In terms of pricing, new season trade lambs sold at prices that were either stable or slightly firm. Lambs weighing between 21-24 kg cwt fetched prices ranging from $248 to $295, averaging 1190 c/kg cwt. The 24-26 kg category had limited numbers in each agent's run, commanding prices from $298 to $315, with an average of 1178 c/kg cwt. Notably, a single pen of lambs over 26 kg sold for $345 per head.

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Store lambs were also in demand, with buyers willing to pay a wide range of prices influenced by breed, weight, and fat cover. Prices for these lambs ranged from $148 to $265 per head, with a good portion destined for Coonamble, Forbes, Griffith, Ballarat, and local feedlots. In contrast, old trade lambs saw a significant price drop of around $20, selling from $200 to $288 per head and averaging 1147 c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs were scarce compared to previous weeks, with prices ranging from $299 to $378 per head, averaging approximately 1148 c/kg cwt.

The mutton sale was the highlight of the market, driven by recent rain, which increased buyer demand for stock. Prices surged generally by $30 to $40 per head. Heavy sheep ranged from $200 to $290, averaging 753 c/kg cwt. A few buyers reduced their weight limits to secure stock, resulting in prices gaining momentum as the sale progressed. Trade sheep sold between $164 and $211, averaging 847 c/kg cwt.

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