Cold weather woes

And while most are said to be weighing well for processors, many show the effects of the cold weather with its string of severe frosts and lack of sunshine.

In fact, recent heavy frostings have most producers looking skywards for another fall to freshen up pastures and keep well-grown crops ticking along.

But without a solid fall, the season could close off quickly, stock agents at the Bendigo prime sheep sale said on Monday.

Ellis Nuttall auctioneer Rupert Fawcett junior said recent frosts had slowed growth of both crops and livestock markedly.

And while crops and the new-season young lambs have progressed well up until midway through June, July's severe cold snap has brought most growth to a sudden halt.

Mr Fawcett said this week's supply of 4500 young lambs at Bendigo (the total lamb yarding was 10,000) was about the same in size as a year ago.

The huge difference when comparing markets to August 2013 was that fewer old lambs were being penned, Mr Fawcett said.

The reason, of course, was that autumn markets were so strong at the time that they encouraged producers to meet the demand with their carryover stock.

Mr Fawcett has tipped September will again be the peak selling month for most northern-bred suckers at Bendigo, although oddly enough the fortnightly Ouyen market scheduled for today (Thursday) was cancelled because of a lack of numbers.

Given these facts, Mr Fawcett said the next three weeks would be crucial as far as rain was concerned.

He said this would determine how many lambs could be sold in wool and how many would require shearing because of going dry.

Mr Fawcett suggested breeding ewe numbers in the Bendigo district were about the same as a year ago and marked-lamb numbers would also be on par.

He described this week's Bendigo market for young lambs as a "solid affair", with good competition and prices similar to higher "depending on quality".

The number of trade buyers displaying an interest in purchasing young lambs was increasing by the week as the numbers grew, he said.

The National Livestock Reporting Service quoted young lambs from 520 to 550 cents a kilogram, depending on weight.

Most trade weights were sold in the price bracket of $120-$138 a head, while heavier lambs made to $143 for an estimated 27kg.

The market-toppers were offered by Quambatook farmers GJ&GM Bremner.

Trade sources indicate young lamb skins are fetching about $8-$10 each.

Kevin Linehan, Rodwells, reports that so far he has sold from his Boort district three loads of young lambs direct to export and supermarket processors.

He said average weights of these loads varied from 21.8kg to 28kg and all were sold at prices of 580-600c/kg.

Producers who had done a job getting early lambs away had been well rewarded for their effort, he said.

"But now that our first drafts have gone, we'll need to take a rest until September," he said.

"The lambs are coming on but we need another rain to keep them fresh and growing."

Mutton sales at Bendigo, meanwhile, were also solid, clinging to the improved rates of recent times.

Elders auctioneer John Sutherland said prices paid for both ewes and wethers appeared more secure since the two recent live export orders ($90- $105 a head delivered Adelaide) had absorbed any excess numbers.

He said if the mutton market could hold at these rates of 330-350c/kg – which was resulting in clearance rates of $65-$95 a head for surplus stock – then upcoming spring store sheep sales should be poised for some interesting times.

For those looking for store sheep, a series of sales has been set for the spring, with Wycheproof to sell on August 29 and again on September 12, Swan Hill on September 5, and Hay, NSW, on September 19.

On the subject of store cattle, Hay agents have planned a record yarding of 3400 head at their annual spring sale next Wednesday August 27, starting at 12.30pm.

The tip?

Be there.