Saleyards have benefited from increased demand from export and domestic processors, along with restockers influencing the lighter end of the market.
The stronger competition generally posted dearer rates of $8-$15 across the board at most markets.
Robust prices for young lambs back to the paddock were achieved in Victoria, according to National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) data, where lambs to feed-on topped at $140.
Higher store prices were described by agents as a sign of the times when buying power eclipses the number of store lambs on offer. The rates are indicative of the reduced numbers of store lambs flowing into the saleyard system.
Buoyant was one word to describe Wagga’s sale last Thursday, in a similar sized yarding of 33,000 lambs. Prices were $10-$15 dearer, despite the market facing pressure from a mixed quality offering of trade and lighter weights. Restockers drove the market $10 higher for lighter trade weights, paying up to $134. A couple of strong local store orders helped lift lighter lambs 12-16kg another $8 to average $110.
It was more of the same for trade lambs, with some domestic processors brushed aside as they struggled to match higher rates paid by major supermarkets. Trade lambs 22-24kg consistently sold at $134-$186.20 to average 717¢/kg cwt.
At Griffith on Friday, processors paid from $150-$170 for Merino lambs 22-24kg cwt. There was plenty of competition for grain-fed trade lambs, with prices averaging 717¢/kg cwt. Extra heavy lamb quality was excellent, selling at $171-$232.
Bigger numbers of lambs were offered at Bendigo on Monday, with 13,847 lambs penned. More of these lambs weighed from 20-30kg carcass weight, according to NLRS. Trade lamb rates averaged $4-$6 higher, in a fluctuating market due to the mixed quality. Plainer trade lambs made from $108-$138, while lambs presenting with finish and yield sold from $130-$166. Heavy lambs sold to a seasonal high of $248, with the best pens averaging 650-670¢/kg cwt.
There was more interest in restocking lambs at Bendigo, with lambs suitable to turnout or fatten in feedlots selling to stronger competition. Most sales were dearer, fetching $94 to $125.
Heavy lambs were up unchanged to a few dollars easier at Ballarat on Tuesday in a larger offering of 25,054. Quality was variable, as were some prices. Better-quality trade lambs made from $135-$176.50. Strongest bidding was from restockers for light and medium trade lambs.
Restockers pushed the market $10 higher, paying a top price of $150. Plainer conditioned lambs 16-18kg returning to the paddock averaged $123.30.
