The prediction of rain had little impact on lamb markets with supplies decreasing in Victoria and lifting slightly in NSW.
Prices rose on Monday by $10-$20 a head for the best domestic lambs at southern saleyards, while northern markets were generally a few dollars dearer.
At the close of selling on Monday night the national saleyard price indicators had lifted with trade weight lambs listed at 809 cents a kilogram carcase weight, spiking 11c/kg.
Heavy lambs increased 7c/kg to rest at 790c/kg, while mutton increased to 636c/kg, up 5c/kg.
The dearer trend reflects supply, with finished lambs in shorter supply in some states leading into winter.
The yarding at Wagga Wagga, NSW, declined to 32,000 in the Riverina, falling 6000 head on the previous week.
In another northern market at Dubbo, NSW, the yarding was up by about 2000 head to total 14,274.
At southern saleyards, lamb numbers generally declined and so did quality, forcing buyers to up the ante for well-finished types.
Heavy lambs at Bendigo on Monday sold to a top of $295.
It was the first time the saleyard has experience $290 or more for some months.
Price were generally $12-$21 dearer.
The highlight in the market was ideal domestic weighted lambs, 20-22kg, which sold to $216 to average 900c/kg cwt, with a severe shortage contributing the significant price rise.
The best 22-24kg trade lambs sold at $204-$216, averaging 870c/kg cwt.
Meanwhile, in the mutton run there were some strong price results posted.
Heavy ewe mutton sold from $187-$256 to average 642c/kg cwt.
Heavy Merino wethers sold from $200-$235, costing up to 700c/kg cwt.
Trade sheep depending on their cover were up to $4 dearer.
At Corowa, NSW, on Monday agents mustered 13,500 lambs and 2000 sheep.
Most buyers were at the rail keen to participate over the good quality yarding of trade and heavy lambs.
Extra heavy lambs were mostly grain assisted and lacked the weight of previous sales.
The heavier types sold from $226-$256.
Trade lamb rates were unchanged making from $178-$208 to average 848c/kg cwt.
In the other southern market, quality was mixed at the Ballarat lamb sale on Tuesday.
Lamb numbers reached 25,875 and sheep dipped to 8392.
All categories of lambs showed price improvements with trade and super heavy lambs enjoying the greatest gains.
Trade lambs bounced $10, reaching $225 to average 870-899c/kg cwt.
Extra heavy lambs climbed $10-$19, recording a top of $296.
Heavy mutton charged ahead reaching $274 to average 648-705c/kg cwt.
- Leann Dax is an NLRS market reporter.
