Premuim prices paid at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 45,500

Lamb numbers have increased, while the supply of sheep has declined. This shift has resulted in a mixed quality of lambs across the board, with many pens containing clean-up lots. It was quite noticeable that there were fewer heavy export lambs compared to previous weeks, and only a limited number of lambs weighed over 30 kg cwt. Although not all exporters attended the sale, domestic processors were present and remained active, contributing to a somewhat firm market. However, the intensity of trading fluctuated, especially for lambs that were not hard-fed or had woolly coats.

Despite the challenges of a mixed yarding, domestic buyers were willing to pay premium prices for well-shaped, short-skinned lambs across all categories. Trade lambs weighing between 20-24 kg fetched prices ranging from $200 to $327 per head, with good quality lambs averaging between 1200-1300 c/kg cwt. For slightly heavier lambs in the 24-26 kg range, prices ranged from $300 to $364 per head. Conversely, Merino trade lambs experienced a downturn in pricing for lighter trade weights, with the bulk selling between $180 and $294 per head. This trend reflects broader challenges in the market, as buyers are becoming more selective based on quality and weight. Light lambs ranged in price from $100 to $205 per head.

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In the heavy export market, prices remained solid, with buyers eager to secure numbers despite reduced availability and fewer buyers. Lambs weighing between 26-30 kg sold for $330 to $380 per head, while those exceeding 30 kg reached a top price of $410, averaging 1199 c/kg cwt.

The quality of mutton was fair to good. Although not all buyers were present at the sale, competition was very strong for younger sheep with some fat cover. Trade sheep sold for $154 to $180, averaging 698 c/kg cwt. Heavy sheep were in high demand, with heavy mutton selling from $178 to $265, averaging 733 c/kg cwt.

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