White hot market all round at Ballarat

Yarding: 20,621

The number of lambs penned decreased to 14,971. Quality varied, as a significant portion of the yarding comprised plainer types that lacked weight and shape. Lambs that were supplemented with feed were in excellent condition; however, they were not as heavy as those in previous weeks due to limited availability. Most of the usual buyers were present and actively participated in a very buoyant market, with prices increasing by $10 to $25 per head across the yarding. Light lambs saw price increases of $12 to $20, while medium trade weights sold for $15 more than the previous week. Heavy trade lambs gained $14 to $20 per head, and in some cases, prices were even higher. Extra heavy export lambs reached a top price of $427, which was $1 per head lower than last week. However, since the lambs weren't as heavy, they sold for $25 per head more, with eight pens selling for over $400 each.

Feeders and restockers purchased lambs at prices ranging from $49 to $203 per head. Light trade lambs under 18 kg suitable for MK orders sold for $154 to $204 per head. Trade lambs weighing between 18 to 22 kg sold for $188 to $240 per head, while those weighing 22 to 26 kg sold for $230 to $305, averaging between 990c to 1095c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs weighing 26 to 30 kg made between $278 to $366, and those over 30 kg sold for $370 to $427 per head, averaging between 1100c to 1200c/kg cwt, with some sales even exceeding 1200c/kg.

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In terms of mutton, the numbers decreased to 5,650 penned. Most regular buyers were present, although not all were active in a very strong market. Light and medium weights sold for $15 to $25 per head more, with some sales exceeding 800c/kg cwt. Prices for extra heavy mutton remained mostly steady.

Merino wethers sold for $90 to $180 for the lighter weights, while heavy Merino wethers fetched between $180 to $234 per head. Light-weight and framed Merino ewes sold for $78 to $145, with heavier weight Merino ewes reaching prices of $140 to $190 per head. Light-weight crossbred mutton sold for $33 to $154, while heavier weights ranged from $166 to $261 per head.

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