Rising lamb prices is one trend we’re very pleased to see, no matter how out of character for the time of year. Last week’s price leap provided a much-needed spur of confidence that continued into the market, aided by lower supply.
There was a clear straggler this week – Restocker Lambs. While all other categories of lamb found reasonably steady ground within a +15¢ to -5¢ change week on week, the National Restocker Lamb Indicator dropped 43¢/kg. After last week’s 140¢ lift, minimal restocking competition in NSW this week and plenty of young lambs on the heavier side saw the Restocker Indicator end at 696¢/kg cwt.
The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator gained 12¢ to end at 681¢/kg cwt. Trade lambs also made ground in the West, up 9¢ to 627¢/kg cwt. Heavy lambs also received good support with the National indicator making a 16 ¢ move in the right direction.
The National Mutton Indicator (NMI) ended Thursday just 6 ¢ lower than last weeks close. Mutton has been running its own race through the volatility of 2020. The NMI has been tracking slightly under last year’s prices since July and is currently 6% lower than the same time last year. However, in USD terms, Mutton is still just as expensive as it was a year ago. With monthly mutton export volumes well below last year, the limited supply on offer is enough to keep overseas customers bidding intently.
East coast lamb and sheep throughput for the week ending the 28th of August made a steep drop from the week prior, down 19% and 17% respectively, with all states contributing to the reduced supply. Slaughter levels kept pace with recent volumes though. Total lamb slaughter is tracking 6% under the five-year average.
The week ahead….
The BOM is still forecasting wetter than average rainfall for the east coast in September. However, the outlook on the other side of the country, where rain is very much needed, doesn’t look as promising. Values holding at current levels is likely to encourage lambs at trade weight forward, although if the bounce proves short-lived, there is plenty of feed to keep lambs at home.
Despite a decrease in yardings week on week, the tightening of supply was not enough to support prices. Middle East airspace closures impacted demand at
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.
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.
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.
Lamb market momentum holds
There was a clear straggler this week – Restocker Lambs. While all other categories of lamb found reasonably steady ground within a +15¢ to -5¢ change week on week, the National Restocker Lamb Indicator dropped 43¢/kg. After last week’s 140¢ lift, minimal restocking competition in NSW this week and plenty of young lambs on the heavier side saw the Restocker Indicator end at 696¢/kg cwt.
The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator gained 12¢ to end at 681¢/kg cwt. Trade lambs also made ground in the West, up 9¢ to 627¢/kg cwt. Heavy lambs also received good support with the National indicator making a 16 ¢ move in the right direction.
The National Mutton Indicator (NMI) ended Thursday just 6 ¢ lower than last weeks close. Mutton has been running its own race through the volatility of 2020. The NMI has been tracking slightly under last year’s prices since July and is currently 6% lower than the same time last year. However, in USD terms, Mutton is still just as expensive as it was a year ago. With monthly mutton export volumes well below last year, the limited supply on offer is enough to keep overseas customers bidding intently.
East coast lamb and sheep throughput for the week ending the 28th of August made a steep drop from the week prior, down 19% and 17% respectively, with all states contributing to the reduced supply. Slaughter levels kept pace with recent volumes though. Total lamb slaughter is tracking 6% under the five-year average.
The week ahead….
The BOM is still forecasting wetter than average rainfall for the east coast in September. However, the outlook on the other side of the country, where rain is very much needed, doesn’t look as promising. Values holding at current levels is likely to encourage lambs at trade weight forward, although if the bounce proves short-lived, there is plenty of feed to keep lambs at home.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: MLA, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Winter is coming, where will lamb land?
While many are focussed on the Anzac Day market of a good autumn break, and whether more rain – or any rain at all for
Sheep meat price volatility
The drop in sheep meat prices in 2023 came as an unwelcome shock after the better part of a decade of rising prices. This article
Light lambs grounded
Despite a decrease in yardings week on week, the tightening of supply was not enough to support prices. Middle East airspace closures impacted demand at
US lamb demand stronger
The US has held the mantle as our largest market for lamb exports since lambs got very expensive back in 2020. As a single destination,
Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks
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.
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE
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.