Restocker lamb prices on AuctionsPlus surged through July, with demand pushing values to record highs across most indicators.
The Restocker Lamb Indicator rose to nearly 584c/kg liveweight, and topped $177/head, well above the same time in any previous year. Compared to July 2024, that’s a lift of 126c/kg and $31/head.
The dressed weight (DW) indicator lifted to 1,264.41c/kg DW this week, just 23c/kg off record levels achieved in 2021. It was a steep climb of more than 112c/kg DW in just a week.
While the DW indicator didn’t quite reach record territory, the price per head and liveweight rate did. That suggests heavier lambs are being traded this winter, pushing up total value even if dressed prices remain slightly below historic peaks.
READ MORE: Weekly Sheep & Lamb Market Report
The rally marks a sharp turnaround in restocker sentiment, as improving seasonal conditions and tighter lamb supplies appear to be driving renewed buyer confidence.
With 14,873 head traded last week alone, all eyes are now on whether the market continues in an upward trajectory into August and September or if this is a case of buyers getting in early, fearing they will miss out as prices rise in spring.
New season lamb listings on AuctionsPlus for July have more than doubled compared to the same time last year, with over 33,600 head offered nationally over the past month.
In 2024 just over 12,000 head of new season lambs were offered during July, which was similar to 2023. From 2019-2021 more than 40,000 new season lambs were offered in the month.
The majority of new season lambs for 2025 have been crossbred lambs (24,000), followed by shedding breeds (8,000) and First Cross Ewe Lambs (3,000).
In the past week there was more than 15,000 new season lambs offered for sale on AuctionsPlus, which achieved a clearance rate of 89% and Value Over Reserve of $28.
The average $/head price has been $199, which was up from $177/head last week.
The average weight of new season lambs sold on the platform in the past week is 30kg.
Three lots were sold from South Australia, two from Queensland and the rest from NSW, particularly the Riverina and Central West. Most highest bidders were also located in NSW.
First cross ewe lambs lead the prices this week, with 440 Border Leicester/Merinos with an average weight of 42kg selling for $327/head or 788c/kg liveweight. They were from Spring Plains, NSW, and sold to Cudal, NSW.
A second lot from Spring Plains of the same breeding and weight, but offered in a larger lot of 660, sold for $305/head or 735c/kg liveweight, and sold to Cootamundra, NSW.
The lift in the new season lamb offering comes as commercial sheep and lamb listings on AuctionsPlus rose again this week, with 32,070 head offered nationally, marking an 8% increase compared to the previous week, with Joined Ewes clearing in full.
The national clearance rate lifted to 92%, which makes the past week the second week of the month to end with clearance greater than 90%.
The Crossbred Lamb Indicator also improved, rising by $15 to finish at $185 per head.
The Restocker Lamb Indicator rose to nearly 584c/kg liveweight, and topped $177/head, well above the same time in any previous year.
New season lamb listings on AuctionsPlus for July have more than doubled compared to the same time last year, with over 33,600 head offered nationally over the past month.
The national commercial sheep and lamb clearance rate for AuctionsPlus lifted to 92%, which makes the past week the second week of the month to end with clearance greater than 90%.
