The national mutton indicator continued its dearer run this week, gaining a further 9¢ on last week, to reach 355¢/kg (carcase weight) by the close of markets on Thursday.
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Meat and Livestock Australia reports that this is the highest weekly mutton indicator price on record and an astounding 158¢ above the same week last year.
Traditionally, mutton prices are at their peak during mid winter, highlighted by reaching 319¢ in July 2009.
With record highs already realised since late February, sheep values are anticipated to remain strong into the winter months.
With the recent rain providing a rare autumn break for producers in the eastern states, supply can be expected to remain tight.
The public holiday on Monday limited mutton supply in SA and Victorian markets, sending the Victoria mutton indicator to 388¢, while the SA indicator finished at 374¢/kg cwt.
The disruption caused by the public holiday and widespread rain was significant as supply fell 14pc in Victoria, but failed to reduce SA yardings.
WA sheep supply increased, and strong live export competition along selected lines of ewes, wethers and rams helped push the WA indicator to 317¢/kg.
Mutton supply declined yet again in NSW after the widespread follow up rain last week, which contributed to NSW mutton values reaching 350¢/kg.
