THE unusual wet weather patterns across much of NSW and parts of Victoria this summer has brought with it a real sense of optimism.
Last week secondary lambs finished on a positive note, assisted by revived restocker demand, while the conclusion of Thursday markets saw the eastern states restocker lamb indicator average 574 cents a kilogram carcase weight for January, tracking 15c/kg higher than the trade lamb indicator which rested at 559c/kg.
The number of lambs returning to the paddock in NSW for January has been lower year-on-year, bearing in mind the long-drawn-out turnoff that occurred last year as a result of dry conditions.
Victoria has been rather diverse recording a six per cent improvement in restocking rates.
Second-tier and opportunity feeders have entered the market having assessed the season and current market conditions.
Interestingly restockers in both NSW and Victoria have both lifted their weight specifications for lambs according to Meat & Livestock Australia, with more purchases falling into the 18-22kg weight range.
The rain last week had an immediate effect on the Wagga Wagga, NSW, lamb and sheep market.
The reduced supplies of lighter weight categories fuelled strong competition, especially across the lighter trade weight category with keen demand also coming from feedlot operators.
Restockers and feedlot buyers paid from $100-$122 a head for lambs carrying more weight and frame, while light trade lambs to slaughter made from $104-$121 to average 540c/kg cwt.
With processing plants and saleyards in Victoria, NSW, and Queensland, all closed for the Australia Day public holiday Monday, competition weakened for medium and heavy trade lambs by the end of last week.
The intensity of recent demand from supermarkets was lack lustre, with prices well off the pace, especially for lambs which lacked finish and freshness.
Medium and heavy trade lambs sold $4-$8 cheaper from the extreme rates of last week.
The better finished trade lambs made from $134-$148 to av 570c/kg cwt.
Values for heavy and extra heavy lambs was unchanged, with northern processors cementing a floor in prices.
Heavy lambs fetched $141-$164 while extra heavy lambs sold from $157-$198 to av 540-575c/kg cwt.
Meanwhile, demand for mutton again shifted into a higher gear with carcase weight prices for heavy grades av 340-374c/kg.
Wethers in full wool reached a top price of $130, while heavy crossbred ewes fetched $100-$139.
Merino ewes realised $96-$115.
Lamb prices at the Forbes market on Tuesday lost traction, with increased supplies allowing buyers to take their foot off the gas.
However, light lambs were keenly sought by restockers to av $114.
The increased offering of trade impacted on values with prices easing $4, av 551c/kg cwt.
Despite the excellent quality offering of heavy lambs, prices edged $7 lower.
The better end of the heavy lambs made from $150-$192 to av 529-544c/kg cwt.
A good run of mutton in various weights and grades sold $1-$2 cheaper for heavy sheep, with heavy wethers in almost full wool reaching a top price of $122.
