The performance of the AuctionsPlus Restocker Lamb Indicator (ARLI) continues to impress, with this week marking a historic milestone for the market. For the week ending September 17, the ARLI climbed to $192/head, or 1,388 c/kg DW, setting a new record high.
This result represents an $18 lift on last week alone and highlights the surge in demand as restockers actively compete for quality lines this spring.
Placed in historical context, the strength of the current market is remarkable. Since its inception in 2016, the ARLI has averaged $118/head, or 845c/kg DW. The latest figure sits not only well above this long-term average but also far exceeds the equivalent September levels of recent years.
AuctionsPlus Restocker Lamb Indicator performance over 2024-2025. Source: AuctionsPlus
In 2021, the indicator was tracking at $156/head, in 2022 it was $124/head, in 2023 it dipped to just $46/head, and in 2024 it recovered to $120/head. By comparison, the 2025 benchmark of $192/head represents both a record high and a clear signal of renewed restocker confidence.
This surge mirrors the strong results across lamb sales reported this week. A total of 33,900 new season lambs were offered, with 94% clearing to buyers. Prices averaged $204/head, with purchasers consistently bidding more than $20/head above reserves.
Crossbred Lambs were particularly well supported, averaging $213/head with a 92% clearance, while Merino Wether Lambs averaged $188/head, lifting $22 on last week and clearing 98% of all listings. These standout prices fed directly into the momentum driving the ARLI to new heights.
Some of the standout results from this weeks National Lamb Sale included the following:
Lot 260, 220 Mixed Sex Store Lambs which returned 1,873c/kg DW. Pic: Supplied via AuctionsPlus
Assessed by Ben Hooper, and offered by P & S McCutcheon & Sons, from Narromine, NSW, a line of 220 Hampshire Down/Primeline mixed sex lambs June/July 2025 drop and weighing 24kg returned $191/head.
Lot 317, 520 Mixed Sex Suckers which returned 1,690c/kg DW. Pic: Supplied via AuctionsPlus
Assessed by Hayden Lambert, and offered by Longbottom Partners from Lucindale, South Australia, a line of 520 White Suffolk/Merino mixed sex lambs May/June 2025 drop and weighing 32kg returned $191/head.
The robust demand reflects both seasonal optimism and improving feed conditions across key regions. Queensland was the standout performer, stepping up significantly to purchase close to 17,800 head for the week – an impressive lift of 3,650 on last week. This marks one of Queensland’s strongest buying weeks in recent months and highlights the renewed appetite to rebuild flocks as conditions improve.
New South Wales buyers, meanwhile, remained the most active, securing more than 22,000 head despite a small week-on-week decline.
Victoria and South Australia were more subdued in comparison, with buyers stepping back after stronger activity in previous weeks. Victorian purchased just under 7,800, while South Australia ended the week with 5,300 head secured.