Lamb slaughter during March in NSW, SA and Victoria climbed 15pc compared to March last year to 1,299,342 head, Meat and Livestock Australia reports.
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MLA says strong saleyard and over-the-hooks (OTH) rates have encouraged lamb sales as buyers compete fiercely for supply in anticipation of a shortfall in coming months.
With the dry start to autumn in southern regions, and little confidence in an autumn break, producers have been offloading stock amid such intense demand that the higher supply has not lowered prices.
Due to Easter falling in March last year, slaughter levels during March this year were higher, as there were more slaughter days.
Victorian slaughter lifted 10pc year-on-year, with OTH lamb prices averaging 420¢/kg, up 21pc year-on-year.
The number of heavy lambs (20-22 kg cwt) purchased through the yards by processors in Victoria during the month lifted 4pc year-on-year.
