Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) reported lambs weights have continued to push higher at the commencement of 2018 setting a new January record of 22.9kg cwt.
It appears the growth of lamb carcase weights has been a steady trend particularly since farmers began to shift their focus away from wool almost thirty years ago.
Another interesting fact is Australian lambs are among the heaviest lambs in the world reflecting on our farm productivity advances. However, it is according to MLA behind the American industry. All the same international demand continues to grow for Australian lamb.
According to data the lowest so far for heavy lambs in Victoria this year is 605c/kg cwt bought about by supply increases at physical markets and bigger numbers of over the hook lambs flowing direct to works. Heavy lambs at Wagga on Thursday saw quality lift and rates surge $11 lambs 26-30kg cwt plus sold at $180 to $235 to average 613c/kg cwt.
The lamb market threw up some interesting price trends in early trade this week, with weather conditions numbers, and restocker support all influencing outcomes at different markets. The dry weather appears to be having some effect with some agents noting caution amid forecast of a dry April for some regions.
Bendigo’s market on Monday followed close to the eastern states indicator given that last week was a public holiday. The National Livestock Reporting service said the bidding was quality driven which resulted in market fluctuations. Trade lamb trends were $2-$5 dearer compared to a fortnight ago with the belter finished 22-24 kg selling at $138-$167 to average 594c/kg. There were a few more pens of heavy lambs offered however there were just seven pens which sold over $200 to average an estimated carcase weight of 590c/kg, with the bulk of the heavy end selling from $150-$220. Plainer light weight lambs sold to mixed price owing to the lack of restocker support most sold to the processors for $90-$125.
There seems to be no stopping the mutton boom with price surging higher, hitting 479c/kg cwt. Merino heavy ewe rates picked up another $22 on top of rises a fortnight ago. Heavy crossbred ewes topped at $188 to average 451c/kg cwt. Trade lines sold from $77-$128.
Lamb prices at Corowa leapt ahead as strong demand drove the bigger yarding of just fewer than 8000 lambs and 5875 sheep up to $15 dearer. Heavy lambs lead the charge reaching a top price of $245 to average 610c/kg cwt. Agents said the price surge was because of a shortage of lambs weighing above 30kg cwt. Trade lambs jumped $7-$9 it follows on from stronger trend that became evident last week.
