It was a largely softer sheep and lamb market across AuctionsPlus commercial sales this week, despite a 6% reduction in overall numbers, with most of the joined ewe categories easing. The total listings for the week across both sheep and lamb sales remained 7% above the corresponding week in 2020, with 144,004 head listed and 95,562 head (65%) of the catalogue consisting of new season lambs. As large volumes of new season lambs continue to take to the market, prices have softened in November. However, clearance rates this week were higher than the previous week- albeit with Merino ewe lambs still struggling to meet a basis of mutual interest between vendor and buyer prices.
The recent widespread rain through many regions, along with mild conditions throughout November has been both positive and negative for the market. On the downside, many producers continue to wait for lambs to get some sun on their backs prior to finishing. While on the upside, restockers continue to support the market, flushed with ample feed heading into the summer months. Top purchasing regions this week included the NSW Central West (18,190 head), SW Victoria (11,030 head) and the NSW Riverina (10,897 head).
The largest lamb category this week was again for crossbred lambs, with the 42,003 head selling to an 85% clearance rate. Ranging from $102-207/head, the category for the week averaged $153/head – up $1 on last week. Similarly, Merino wether lambs also edged $1 higher, averaging $139/head, with the 24,889 head registering a 74% clearance rate.
Both first cross ewe lambs and Merino ewe lambs declined this week, with the 9,690 head of first cross ewes selling to a 72% clearance rate and averaging at $226/head – down $14 on last week. With another subdued week of sales for Merino ewe lambs, prices averaged $27/head lower, at $163/head.
Despite a 94% clearance rate for the week, composite and other breed lambs sold to $155/head – down $46 on last week.
All NSM categories declined this week, with the largest price fall registered for the 14,398 head of Merino ewes – down $32, to average $199/head. Similarly, Merino ewe hoggets slipped back $3, to average $260, with a 67% clearance rate for the 15,258 head offered.
NOTE: Prices as at 5pm, Thursday 11th November, 2021
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