Numbers back in a strong reaction from Farmers at Bendigo

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Yarding - 11,590

Numbers were pulled back in what agents described as a “strong reaction’’ from farmers to the lower prices which have crept back into the market, with just 9740 lambs and 1850 sheep at Bendigo this week. Quality also fell-away with a lot of smaller penlots of lambs and half finished stock about. The mood from the buying group remained subdued, with four orders absent including both the major supermarkets. None of the buyers were actively pushing for numbers amid feedback they have kill positions well covered with supply. Prices remained similar for the better presented lambs to $5 easier over the general run, noting Bendigo had a price check of $20 per head last Monday.

Export lambs over 30kg cwt from $195 to a top of $232, and the heavy crossbreds 26-30kg cwt from $165 to $195/head - these categories averaging 640c to 650c/kg cwt. Once onto the general run of trade lambs the ball park cost for processors came back to 620c to 630c/kg cwt, or $139 to $158 for the main run of 22-24kg cwt lambs. There was plainer domestic weighted lambs under 600c/kg. There was a reasonable run of Merino lambs with the better trade types from $125 to $148 to be tracking around 570-580c/kg cwt. Decent runs of light MK style bag lambs still received reasonable support, including a draft of 511 Dorpers estimated at 17-18kg which sold for $117. It is interesting to note that carcass price averages for lighter lambs are rivalling and sometimes ahead of the rates being paid for heavier fed lambs.

Sheep supply was cut and despite limited numbers interest in heavy mutton remained dull. Big crossbred ewes $60 to $90, some pens costing well under 200c/kg cwt. Plainer and lighter sheep mostly $25 to $51, and there was sales of light light sheep that looked OK against the money being offered for ewes well in excess of 30kg cwt.

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