The spring flush of lambs in Victoria is picking up steam which added pressure to the lamb market. Mutton prices have bounced back after a rapid fall, but still look competitively priced for overseas buyers thanks to the low AUD.
After a few weeks of improvements, the Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI) lost 26¢ to end the week at 842¢/kg cwt. In Western Australia, the Trade Lamb Indicator gained 14¢ over the week to 732¢/kg cwt.
Results were mixed between categories, with the last weeks results largely flipped on their head. The National Heavy Lamb Indicator lost nearly half of last weeks gain, ending at 865¢/kg cwt. Merino and light lambs each improved, lifting 20 and 30¢ respectively. In South Australia, prices have been volatile recently but it was green across the board this week with large price lifts for the available store lambs.
The National Mutton Indicator made up an additional 20¢ over the week to 634¢/kg cwt. With the AUD edging lower each day, overseas buyers are likely snapping up mutton while it’s competitively priced, compared to recent months.
Lamb slaughter continued to lift last week, rising 4% from the week prior, while sheep slaughter dropped 7%. It was the first time since the end of August that the weekly slaughter rate for lamb and sheep combined has been higher than the same time last year, even if only slightly.
East coast lamb yardings lifted another 10% last week, with 204,813 head yarded. In the last fortnight weekly lamb yardings have lifted over 30%. Unsurprisingly it’s in Victoria where the lambs are heading to saleyards at a stronger pace. An additional 14,903 lambs were yarded in Victoria compared to the week prior. But the seasonal delay is still being reflected in the weekly numbers with 14% fewer lambs yarded than the same time last year in Victoria.
Sheep throughput also jumped last week, up 25% on the week prior, largely due to a significant lift again in Victoria.
The week ahead….
While processors are still reporting constraints due to lack of labour, the rise in slaughter levels in recent weeks suggests that at least some have managed to find additional capacity. How much more capacity there is for further slaughter increases remains to be seen. While producers will respond to any significant falls in the market by holding back stock, the limitations of processors are likely to stifle much upside.
Standard livestock market analysis centres around supply, with shifts in demand usually gradual, and rarely to the downside. The odd ‘Black Swan’ event can see
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Mutton bounces back
After a few weeks of improvements, the Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI) lost 26¢ to end the week at 842¢/kg cwt. In Western Australia, the Trade Lamb Indicator gained 14¢ over the week to 732¢/kg cwt.
Results were mixed between categories, with the last weeks results largely flipped on their head. The National Heavy Lamb Indicator lost nearly half of last weeks gain, ending at 865¢/kg cwt. Merino and light lambs each improved, lifting 20 and 30¢ respectively. In South Australia, prices have been volatile recently but it was green across the board this week with large price lifts for the available store lambs.
The National Mutton Indicator made up an additional 20¢ over the week to 634¢/kg cwt. With the AUD edging lower each day, overseas buyers are likely snapping up mutton while it’s competitively priced, compared to recent months.
Lamb slaughter continued to lift last week, rising 4% from the week prior, while sheep slaughter dropped 7%. It was the first time since the end of August that the weekly slaughter rate for lamb and sheep combined has been higher than the same time last year, even if only slightly.
East coast lamb yardings lifted another 10% last week, with 204,813 head yarded. In the last fortnight weekly lamb yardings have lifted over 30%. Unsurprisingly it’s in Victoria where the lambs are heading to saleyards at a stronger pace. An additional 14,903 lambs were yarded in Victoria compared to the week prior. But the seasonal delay is still being reflected in the weekly numbers with 14% fewer lambs yarded than the same time last year in Victoria.
Sheep throughput also jumped last week, up 25% on the week prior, largely due to a significant lift again in Victoria.
The week ahead….
While processors are still reporting constraints due to lack of labour, the rise in slaughter levels in recent weeks suggests that at least some have managed to find additional capacity. How much more capacity there is for further slaughter increases remains to be seen. While producers will respond to any significant falls in the market by holding back stock, the limitations of processors are likely to stifle much upside.
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Data sources: MLA, NLRS, Mecardo
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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.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team of market analysts are recognised as leaders in Australian Ag market analysis, providing invaluable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing commodity landscape.
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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.