Mutton on the rise at Wagga Wagga

Yarding - 59,000

The lamb market saw a notable lift in numbers this week, driven largely by dry conditions that have prompted producers to offload plainer light lambs. The influx of supply was met with a large field of buyers, although it is worth noting that there were no supermarket buyers present this week, which could have influenced overall pricing dynamics. Quality has played a significant role in shaping the market. Heavy lambs, particularly those grain-fed, were highly sought after. However, the trade lamb categories presented a mixed bag, with significant variability in quality across the weight different categories. This week saw a greater presence of feedlot buyers compared to restockers, indicating a shift in purchasing behaviour in response to current dry conditions.

In the trade lamb market, the quality was indeed very mixed, with many lambs in and out in presentation. The market fluctuated based on quality, with shorn lambs, particularly those with very short skins, experiencing the strongest competition. Trade lambs weighing between 20-24 kg sold for prices ranging from $146 to $195/head, while those in the 24-36kg cwt commanded prices between $185 and $212.

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Notably, Merino trade lambs were particularly in demand, gaining $6, with the bulk selling between $132 and $180 per head. The offering of heavy export lambs was excellent this week, with lambs in the 26-30 kg range selling from $210 to $242, reflecting firm prices with some dearer sales for lambs with short skins. However, lambs over 30 kg experienced a slight dip, dropping $6 to achieve prices between $245 and $284/head.

It was a mixed yarding of sheep with all weights and grades represented. Market demand was very strong, with buyers all wanting both light and heavy sheep. Heavy sheep surged in general $20 selling from $125 to $198/head to average 489c/kg cwt. Trade sheep 20 to 24kg sold at $76 to $133 to average 452c/kg cwt

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