Our belief is that the lack of stock availability worldwide and the strong demand for finished product in Europe, US and domestic markets in China, will see market levels remain very strong for at least the next 4 months. The industry talk is that stock levels will take years to see significant improvements. Forecasts are that shorn lamb prices, when this market commences in the new year, will start at record levels in line with current levels for sheep and spring lambs.

Our sales team will have a stand at the upcoming Beijing leather fair ( January 11th – January 14th) We invite any person visiting the fair to attend our stand and meet out staff to enhance a business relationship. We will provide details of all available stock and will be offering discounts on selected lines.

LAMB prices fluctuated at saleyards last week, with the market showing gains on some days and losses on others.

The overall result was little change to the national livestock market indicator for slaughter lambs compared to a week ago.

At the close of trading last week according to Meat and Livestock Australia, trade lambs dipped three cents to average 553c/kg cwt, while heavy export lambs slipped one cent to rest at 560c/kg. Light lambs were keenly sought at all markets gaining six cents, while restocker lambs continued their stellar run increasing a further four cents to settle at 555c/kg cwt. Despite a drop in demand for mutton toward the finish of the week sheep posted a gain 2c/kg cwt.

It was more of the same at Wagga lamb market on Thursday where again heavy lambs were a highlight, with farmer confidence in this section building, as evidenced by a spike of up to 30 per cent more heavy lambs penned. Heavy lambs made from $155-$197.60, with the best of the heavy pens regularly selling at $180-$196 to average 530-548c/kg cwt. As the market progressed, the general consensus of agents was competition was moderating for the best of the trade lambs to ease $2-$3. The highest price recorded was for a single pen selling at $154 for 24kg cwt, while most other trade lambs fetched $110-$149 to average 569c/kg cwt. Light lambs were a hot ticket item with both restockers and processors finding themselves caught up in bidding contests.

Early lamb markets have started cheaper this week on the back of increased numbers due to higher rates and warmer weather. The major markets on Monday were Dubbo and Bendigo, where prices were back across the board. The yarding of 18,071 at Bendigo was up to $10 cheaper, with heavy lambs taking the biggest hit. Heavy lambs over 30kg cwt topped at $180, however most sales ranged from $129-$169 to average 492-521c/kg. The trade market also lost ground to generally sell $3-$8 cheaper. Good slaughter lambs continue to be hard to find. The National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) said the supplementary fed portion were the lambs presenting with the better finish. Trade lambs made from $96-$137 to average 515c/kg cwt. Lambs to restock and feed sold to stronger demand, with a feedlot order lifting prices $10 for bigger framed well-bred types. Smaller lambs returning to the paddock fetched $70-$90.

The mutton market lost some traction due to falling quality and small pen lots. Trade sheep sold to the keenest competition selling up to $5 dearer.

At Corowa on Monday the lamb sale fell into line with other major selling centres, with prices easing $4-$10.

Stock and Land