From producers to exporters, the supply chain is in the thick of the Spring seasonal supply increase. Processors are working at full throttle, as total slaughter eclipsed 534,000 head last week and ramped up again this week, harvest is well underway in key cropping zones, Middle East lamb imports had their best month in October since 2018 and restocker buyers were active in NSW and SA.
In a welcome sign and an indication of a small resurgence in restocker demand, restocker spec lamb yardings rose 25% this week to 66K nationally but NSW and SA both experienced double-digit improvements in pricing. NSW restocker lambs jumped 28¢ to 347¢/kg cwt and SA restocker lambs reached 351¢/kg cwt (an 11¢ improvement week on week). Victorian restockers however lost 16¢ to 354¢/kg cwt as yardings this week were almost double the number last fortnight.
Light Lamb’s recent improvements hit a supply roadblock this week. Per MLA, Light lamb yardings rose 20% week on week, and the additional 13K head through the yards put downward pressure on the National light lamb indicator which lost 9¢ to 369¢/kg cwt. The additional numbers came out of Victoria and South Australia, which were resilient to the increase in supply on the price front. Victorian light lambs lost just 2¢ for the week, ending at 400¢/kg cwt and South Australia improved 13¢ to 406¢/kg cwt.
The mutton treadmill continued this week, yardings remain elevated and pricing has crept upwards but is essentially a sideways movement in the context of this season’s price decline. WA mutton improved 5¢ to 71¢/kg cwt, NSW mutton 12¢ to 124¢/kg cwt and Victorian Mutton lost 1¢ to 96¢/kg cwt. The National mutton indicator improved 7¢ to 110¢/kg cwt a 10% improvement week on week but still sits 78% lower year on year.
Next week
The balance of supply and demand fundamentals at this time of year have been somewhat assisted by the re-emergence of Middle East imports.
Rain in certain areas also provides another path for lighter lambs as restockers look to early 2024’s potential opportunities.
Lower throughput for lambs indicates the approach of winter. Whilst lamb indicators were lower, mutton markets found some favour this week, improving week on week
The mutton market has held fairly steady throughout the autumn, but it hasn’t experienced the same rebound as lamb in recent weeks. The national mutton
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In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making.
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In the thick of it
Next week
The balance of supply and demand fundamentals at this time of year have been somewhat assisted by the re-emergence of Middle East imports.
Rain in certain areas also provides another path for lighter lambs as restockers look to early 2024’s potential opportunities.
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Data sources: MLA, BOM, Mecardo
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Winter lamb cool down
Lower throughput for lambs indicates the approach of winter. Whilst lamb indicators were lower, mutton markets found some favour this week, improving week on week
Mutton market still out of step
The mutton market has held fairly steady throughout the autumn, but it hasn’t experienced the same rebound as lamb in recent weeks. The national mutton
Buyers are back baby
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How do the size of yardings move prices in Wagga
Talk to any farmer or local agent, and they will tell you that local supply has an impact on local prices. Many a grower will
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
Listen to the podcast
Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.
Research: Analysis of the Australian sheep flock
In this report for LiveCorp and MLA, we analysed the historical trends in the demographics of the Australian sheep flock, examining domestic factors that influence farm-level enterprise decision making.
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We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.