The shorter week saw lower yardings and strong competition from all buying sectors, pushing lamb prices to record or near-record levels at many selling centres across the country, Meat and Livestock Australia reports.
It says that the week preceding the June long weekend typically brings a change in weather conditions, and for the second consecutive year, rainfall across parts of the eastern states was received.
This was followed by a cold snap which has consequently affected lamb supply and presentation.
Lamb numbers at saleyards covered by MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service this week were lower at most centres compared to the same week last year.
In Victoria, the second highest price on record for the state was achieved at Ballarat, of $183; while prices reached $150/head at Hamilton.
The highest price on record at Victorian saleyards was paid at Bendigo and topped $191.60/head in 2004.
MLA reports that over the hooks quotes were firm to dearer in all states this week.
Processors offered rates of up to 500¢ in NSW, Victoria and SA, up to 470¢ in WA and 450¢/kg (carcase weight) in Tasmania and Queensland.
Physical market rates also experienced a dearer trend at most centres.
National trade and heavy lambs gained 47¢ and 51¢ from last week to finish at 522¢ and 529¢/kg (cwt), respectively.
