AuctionsPlus sheep and lamb offering declined 10% this week, to total 134,800 head. While a week-on-week reduction was expected, given the recent widespread rainfall and short trading week, listing still remained 25% above the corresponding week last year.
Offerings of new season lambs this week corresponded with overall listing numbers – also recording a 10% decline from last week. A small decline in supply was met with increased demand across all six categories, with prices up across the board.
Figure 1: Heatmap of AuctionsPlus National Lamb Sale offering and purchase locations.
Crossbred lambs accounted for 28% of the total offering this week, with 37,536 head offered – up 13% from last week. The increased offering for the category was well supported, as clearance rates increased to 96%, while the category averaged $8 higher, at $172/head liveweight.
Merino wether lambs registered a considerable contraction in numbers this week - back 31% to total 28,620 head. The tighter offering for the category saw prices increase by $5, to average $143/head - while clearance rates increased considerably to 92%, as many buyers had renewed confidence following recent rainfall during the critical spring period.
Merino ewe lambs had a total of 2,131 head listed online this week. Prices held firm with the category averaging $267/head – up $1 from last week. A new record high for commercial Merino ewe lambs was set this week, with the top line of the category returning $398/head liveweight. The line featured 89 future breeder ewe lambs of Mumblebone blood from Wuuluman, NSW. The ewe lambs aged 12-13 months weighed 54.2kg liveweight at assessment, with 2-3” wool and were purchased by a buyer from Trunkey Creek, Central West NSW.
Figure 2: Heatmap of AuctionsPlus National Sheep Sale offering and purchase locations.
The joined ewe offering saw mixed results for both price and clearance rates across the various categories this week. SIL Merino ewe numbers increased by 75% from last week, with the category averaging $299/head – up $46. Despite higher returns this week, clearance rates dipped to 49%, indicative of demand for quality breeding lines by restockers.
SIL Composite/other breed ewes also saw a large increase in the offering this week, with 2,634 head catalogued - which registered a 100% clearance rate. Prices for the category declined significantly however, with the average back $71 from last week, at $268/head.
Non-station mated lines registered a drop in prices across all categories this week, with low clearance rates an indication of buyers sourcing quality through the offering. NSM Merino ewes accounted for 12% of the total offering this week, with 15,869 head listed - 20% higher than last week. The category sold $49 easier than last week, to average $179/head, with clearance rates back to 53%.
NOTE: Prices as at 5pm, Thursday 7th October, 2021