MARCH saw national saleyard lamb supply, reported by MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service, lift 5 per cent year-on-year.
MLA reports a public holiday in Victoria and SA early in the month and a shorter month due to the Easter long weekend did little to tighten numbers, due to the dry and uncertain conditions still prevailing, particularly in the south.
The start of March saw some regions receive solid rainfall leading into autumn, however follow up rain is still needed to keep the season progressing.
NSW lamb throughput was only 1pc lower year-on-year, while SA supply was 6pc lower than 2012 possibly due to more lambs reportedly flowing direct-to-works.
Victorian lamb yardings increased 21pc year-on-year, mostly attributed to the below average season.
In the west, WA only yarded marginally fewer lambs year-on-year, down by 2pc.
National sheep supply was 14pc higher year-on-year, tracking with higher slaughter levels this year.
NSW and Victoria increased their throughput 29pc and 11pc year-on-year, while SA yarded 4pc fewer sheep in March.