The lamb market extended its state of calm for another week, with the key price indicators barely budging. The underlying higher supply combined with stable prices is positive, but the threat of extended Covid processing restrictions in Victoria looms large.
Processors took it up a notch last week with an additional 17K lambs slaughtered on the east coast (6% lift). Victoria was responsible for much of the rise, but the state is still yet to process at the full capped capacity under restrictions. That space was made available by low sheep supply. While there was a minor lift in east coast sheep slaughter for the week, up just 1 per cent, it’s still 45% under last year’s levels.
As reported by Angus Brown this week “with slaughter rising and prices rising, it suggests the market might have found a level where it can be moved into export markets”. Yardings for the week ending the 4th of September certainly reinforced the message with lamb prices holding despite a 47% jump in yardings. The lift in sheep yarding’s was nearly on par, with 37% more sheep running through yards.
There was little to no movement in the Heavy, Merino and Trade lamb indicators this week. The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI) dropped just 1¢ to 681¢/kg cwt. WA’s Trade Lamb Indicator took a turn lower, ending Thursday 28¢ lower than last week at 599¢/kg cwt.
Restockers and light lambs received interest this week, with both national indicators gaining about 20¢. The National Mutton Indicator saw a 6¢ loss on the week to 525 which isn’t far from month ago levels. However, lack of demand for sheep in Victoria saw mutton prices there back 37¢ on the week.
The week ahead….
Things will start to get interesting when the spring supply down south pushes processors in Victoria to their capped processing capacity. The BOM is tipping a very wet few weeks ahead with >50% chance of above median rainfall forecast for all except WA. If this proves accurate, there will be plenty of pasture about on the east coast, giving producers the option to add some more weight to lambs when the market eases.
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
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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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Mutton much to see here
Processors took it up a notch last week with an additional 17K lambs slaughtered on the east coast (6% lift). Victoria was responsible for much of the rise, but the state is still yet to process at the full capped capacity under restrictions. That space was made available by low sheep supply. While there was a minor lift in east coast sheep slaughter for the week, up just 1 per cent, it’s still 45% under last year’s levels.
As reported by Angus Brown this week “with slaughter rising and prices rising, it suggests the market might have found a level where it can be moved into export markets”. Yardings for the week ending the 4th of September certainly reinforced the message with lamb prices holding despite a 47% jump in yardings. The lift in sheep yarding’s was nearly on par, with 37% more sheep running through yards.
There was little to no movement in the Heavy, Merino and Trade lamb indicators this week. The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI) dropped just 1¢ to 681¢/kg cwt. WA’s Trade Lamb Indicator took a turn lower, ending Thursday 28¢ lower than last week at 599¢/kg cwt.
Restockers and light lambs received interest this week, with both national indicators gaining about 20¢. The National Mutton Indicator saw a 6¢ loss on the week to 525 which isn’t far from month ago levels. However, lack of demand for sheep in Victoria saw mutton prices there back 37¢ on the week.
The week ahead….
Things will start to get interesting when the spring supply down south pushes processors in Victoria to their capped processing capacity. The BOM is tipping a very wet few weeks ahead with >50% chance of above median rainfall forecast for all except WA. If this proves accurate, there will be plenty of pasture about on the east coast, giving producers the option to add some more weight to lambs when the market eases.
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Data sources: MLA, 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.
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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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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.