Competition fierce at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 66,900

In a bigger yarding the market demonstrated strength, despite the absence of major supermarkets. The presence of all export companies, although with some not fully operational, highlighted the ongoing demand for well finished lambs. Unlike previous sales where southern processors dominated, northern buyers emerged as the market leaders, particularly for heavy young lambs. A total of 30,400 new season lambs were offered, with a notable representation of store types. The quality of the lambs varied, but the market was very strong, especially for heavy export classes. The competition among export buyers was fierce, with all companies actively seeking lambs with weight, which contributed the strong market.

In terms of pricing, the sale saw many lambs exceeding 900c/kg cwt. Trade lambs weighing between 21-24kg fetched prices ranging from $191 to $230, averaging an impressive 860c/kg. Lambs in the 24-26kg category stood out, achieving prices between $212 and $275, with an average of 906c/kg. Store lambs sold to a wide price spread, selling for $96 to $166, while lambs to feed on topped at $172.

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The export market was notably driven by northern processors, who were eager to capitalize on the demand for heavier lambs. Lambs weighing between 27kg to 30kg commanded prices from $236 to $281. Interestingly, only one pen of young lambs exceeded the 30kg cwt mark, selling for $280, underscoring the premium placed on weight. Old lambs were less prevalent in the sale, with trade types selling between $160 and $217. Heavy old lambs attracted prices ranging from $234 to $244, while Merino old lambs saw keen interest, with trade lambs averaging 812c/kg cwt and fetching between $135 and $217. The Merino lamb market continued to evolve as the sale progressed with very high rates given late in the sale.

Most of the usual buyers made it to the mutton sale however, not all operated fully across the mixed yarding. Heavy ewes improved $4 to $6 selling from $76 to $118/head to average 307c/kg cwt. Trade sheep were well supplied making from $65 to $88 to average 318c/kg cwt. Big young ewes back to the paddock reached a top price of $141/head.

https://wagga.nsw.gov.au/business-investment/council-businesses/livestock-marketing-centre