Heavy Mutton on the rise at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 55,000

Lamb numbers remained similar to previous week, and the quality of the trade, particularly in the heavy lamb classes, was excellent. All major exporters attended the sale and were actively operating; however, key domestic processors, while present, did not make any purchases. Overall, the market was mostly unchanged, although a significant price spread was observed for lambs weighing under 18kg, with a noticeable tail at the lighter end.

Competition in the trade market was strongest for shorn lambs that were grain-fed. In contrast, lambs that presented with longer skins struggled to attract all buyers. The trade lamb prices remained stable and even saw increases of up to $5/head. Specifically, trade lambs weighing between 20-24kg fetched prices ranging from $145 to $194, averaging 737c/kg cwt.

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Meanwhile, Merino lamb rates were erratic with prices improving by $8 to $10/head. Merino lambs in the 18-24kg range sold for between $150 and $190/head. Additionally, lambs intended for feeding sold at prices between $147 and $181, while store lambs in plainer condition ranged from $50 to $156 per head. On the export side, the quality of lambs was outstanding, with a considerable weight offered in the yarding, all of which were grain-fed. Lambs weighing 26-30kg commanded prices from $194 to $258/head. Big heavy lambs exceeding 30kg cwt gained $11, with prices ranging from $240 to $311/head. This strong performance highlighted buyers were chasing the heaviest of lambs weighing from 35kg to 40kg.

It was another mixed quality yarding of mutton with all weights and grades represented. It was a bigger field of buyer than last week and all keen to make purchases. Mutton under 24kg lost some momentum which was quality related. Prices ranged from $50 to $115 with the better types averaging 368c/kg cwt. Heavier mutton sold $10 to $22/head dearer. Heavy ewes made from $108 to average $178 averaging 398c to 449c/kg cwt.

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