Weekly Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Week ending Wednesday, Jan 7

The AuctionsPlus Restocker Lamb Indicator opened the year at 1,233 c/kg DW, remaining consistent with late December levels. On a per head basis, the ARLI sat at $201, well above long-term averages and reflective of resilient restocker demand heading into the new year.

Crossbred lambs were well supported, averaging $196/head with a strong 96% clearance, while Merino wether lambs averaged $132/head. First cross ewe lambs attracted premium interest, averaging $359/head, and Merino ewe lambs achieved full clearance at an average of $178/head, albeit from smaller numbers.

Ewe markets were mixed but generally positive. Merino ewe hoggets averaged $189/head and cleared in full, while composite and other breed ewes averaged $266/head with an 87% clearance.

Buyer participation remained broad, with 12,100 head purchased nationally. South Australian buyers were the most active, followed closely by NSW and Victorian buyers, with new buyers also entering the market and supporting competition.

New South Wales accounted for the majority of supply at 7,880 head, followed by Victoria with 5,117 head and South Australia with 2,180 head. Clearance rates were strongest in South Australia at 98%, while NSW and Victoria recorded 78% and 75% respectively, highlighting continued competition where quality and suitability aligned with buyer demand.

HIGHLIGHTS

From Narromine, NSW, a line of 110 Border Leicester/Merino first cross ewe lambs Mar/Apr '25 drop and weighing 64kg returned $371/head and will travel to a buyer in Stockinbingal, NSW.

From Gnarwarre, VIC, a line of 91 Suffolk ewes aged 18 to 19 months old and weighing 68kg returned $400/head and will travel to a buyer in Blayney, NSW.

From Karabeal, VIC, a line of 625 Poll Dorset/PRIMELINE mixed sex lambs Jun/Aug '25 drop and weighing 52kg returned $245/head and will travel to a buyer in Stawell, VIC.