Market Comments

Weekly Sheep & Lamb Comments - Week ending Friday 3rd March 2023

Written by AuctionsPlus | Mar 1, 2023 1:30:32 AM

Listings through AuctionsPlus commercial sheep and lamb sales this week decreased to 65,370 – down 31% from last week. The decline in numbers was reflected across most categories and all states, while SIL first cross ewe listings increased 65% and SM Merino ewes increased 28%. Post-sale negotiations played a major part in securing further sales, with the overall clearance rate reaching 48% - up from 27% at the immediate conclusion of sales. 

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Weekly Sheep and Lamb Prices

Link 2: National Lamb Sale Results

Link 3: Tuesday National Sheep Sale

Link 4: Thursday National Sheep Sale

Link 5: Results by Region

Crossbred lambs averaged $118/head across the 11,076 head offered, up $2 on last week for a 75% clearance rate, up from 35% at the immediate close of the auction. From Yetman, NSW, a line of 1,000 White Suffolk/Merino Aug/Sep 22’ drop mixed sex store lambs weighing 39kg lwt returned $123/head, or 319c/kg lwt and will travel to a buyer in SA. 

SIL Merino ewe listings were flat at 11,873 head and averaged $158/head - down $12 from last week and reached a 46% clearance rate, up from 28% at the conclusion of the sale. From Gooram, Victoria, a line of 483 Merino ewes rising two years of age, weighing 48kg lwt and SIL to Merino rams returned $196/head, $46 over the reserve price. 

The SIL shedding breed ewe category offered 1,202 head and averaged $207/head - falling $41 from last week and achieving a 74% clearance rate. From Cunnamulla, Queensland, a line of 126 Dorper ewes rising six years of age, weighing 70kg lwt and SIL to Dorper rams returned $174/head, or 250c/kg lwt. 

Table 1: AuctionsPlus National Weekly Sheep and Lamb Prices