The strong market gets stronger at Ballarat

Yarding: 11,613

Lamb numbers have dropped to the lowest levels in quite some time, with 9,000 lambs penned. A limited offering of lambs, sourced from supplementary feed, presented in excellent condition. However, the remainder of the yarding was patchy, lacking in shape and cover, and showing signs of the cold winter conditions. Not all the usual buyers were present in a market that was generally firm to dearer across most categories.

Store lambs sold for around $5 either side of firm prices. Light trade lambs gained $3 to $8 per head, medium trade lambs improved by $5 to $10, while heavy trade lambs slipped by $10. Limited numbers and quality contributed to these changes. Heavy export lambs sold for a top price of $449, increasing by $10 per head in most cases.

What's keeping Farmers awake at night? Join The Farmers Club here. 

Feeders and restockers paid between under $100 and $211 per head. Light trade sold from $101 to $185, medium trade prices ranged from $196 to $266, and heavy trade sold between $245 and $316 per head, averaging from 1040c to 1200c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs weighing over 26kg sold for between $313 and $449 per head, with prices varying widely from 1150c to 1350c/kg cwt. Merino lambs sold for between $138 and $230 per head.

Sheep numbers decreased to 2,605, with quality being very mixed. Merino wethers sold for between $96 and $138 for lighter weights, and from $166 to $240 for heavier weights. Lightweight and frame Merino ewes sold for between $90 and $140, while heavier Merino ewes fetched prices ranging from $145 to $212 per head. Lightweight crossbred mutton sold between $40 and $178, while heavier weights were sold for $180 to $296 per head. Most mutton averaged between 650c and 740c/kg cwt.

https://www.bssaa.com.au/