A total of 137,876 head of sheep and lambs were offered through AuctionsPlus this week – back 16% from last weeks largest ever weekly commercial offering. Compared to the same week in 2020, offerings were 20% higher. Central West NSW was the top purchasing region this week, securing 20,558 head. NSW and SA listings dropped considerably from last week, with NSW offering a total of 43,841 head, back 47%, while SA numbers fell 40%, to 49,048 head.
New season lambs accounted for 66% of total listings this week, with 89,205 head offered online. Mixed results were again seen across the lamb categories, with three of the six categories recording a drop in average prices.
Crossbred lambs totalled 40,454 head, making up 30% of the total catalogue. Clearance for the category softened this week to 77%, with prices averaging $171/head - back $2 from last week. SA and Victoria dominated the listings for the category, offering 18,710 and 18,569 head, respectfully.
First cross ewe lambs totalled 12,224 head this week and returned an average of $272/head - back $2 from last week. Clearance rates for the category were back significantly, to 55%, compared to 80% last week. A line consisting of 150 Border Leicester/Merino future breeder ewe lambs from Serpentine, Victoria, which weighed 42.1kg liveweight, returned $390/head.
Merino wether lambs accounted for 14% of the total offering this week, with 18,702 head offered – back 36% from last week. Clearance rates remained at 81%, while prices averaged $142/head – back $5.
Merino ewe lambs had a total of 5,500 head listed online this week – down 53% from last week. The category had a reduced clearance rate this week of 64%, with prices averaging $4 higher, at $167/head.
Merino wethers had a total of 3,801 head listed this week, with lines selling from $110 to $156, to average $142/head – back $18 from last week. Clearance rates for the category increased from last week to 61%.
NSM Merino ewe hoggets totalled 13,559 head this week – 10% of the total offering. Quality lines were again sort after, as clearance rates for the category remained low at 32%. Prices ranged broadly from $155 to $360, to average $268/head - back $22 from last week.
NSM Merino ewes had a total of 18,027 head offered this week, accounting for 13% of the catalogue. The category averaged $224/head - $1 lower on last week, with a clearance rate of 56%.
NOTE: Prices as at 5pm, Thursday 21st October, 2021