The National Restocker Lamb Indicator jumped a significant 62¢/kg this week, to 1,088¢/kg. There were 10,000 fewer lambs yarded in that category, no doubt increasing the competition, but it now remains the only one of the major indicators that is above month-ago levels, trading at a 133¢/kg premium. Another good indication of restocker demand is the online sheep indicator, which rose 47¢/kg this week but sits slightly lower than four weeks ago. Numbers here also fell, nearly half the week prior.
Trade lambs also lifted this week, up 15¢/kg to 1,147¢/kg, continuing to trade at a more than 50% premium to the five and 10-year averages. The Eastern Trade Lamb Indicator rose further, up 15¢/kg to 1,153¢/kg. New season trade lambs were quoted as $5–$7 dearer at Wagga Wagga, NSW, which had 25% of the throughput in the east, while it was noted that paddock or lotfeeding suitable new season lambs lifted by $15–$27 and sold as far as Toowoomba, Queensland, and Loxton, South Australia. Trade and heavyweight lambs at Forbes, NSW, which had the majority trade lamb yarding in the east, sold at $235 to $340 a head.
Heavy lambs nationally lost another 26¢/kg, now down more than 50¢/kg for the month, to land at 1,130¢/kg, the poorest performing category for the week, with quality remaining in this category likely a factor. Mutton also dropped, down 9¢/kg to 705¢/kg. Light and Merino lambs experienced limited movement, up 3¢/kg and down 7¢/kg, respectively.
Restockers and lotfeeders look for new season lambs
Next week
More rain over the weekend and the start of spring could further push demand from restockers in the coming week. With most plants now out of winter shutdowns and significant numbers of heavy new season lambs likely coming later than usual, it will be interesting to watch whether they step up competition for those that are of the right quality, or look to other categories, such as mutton.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: Mecardo; Meat and Livestock Australia
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Production down, but values still to rise
The latest ABARES outlook for livestock products has sheepmeat production dropping for the 2025–26 financial year, pushing prices higher and potentially boosting global demand even
Mutton market maintains momentum
Total sheep and lamb saleyard throughput fell this week, and so did most price indicators, as plenty of supply, proximity to holiday processor shutdowns, and
Survey marking numbers counter high slaughter rates
The October Sheep Producer Intentions Survey (SPIS) provides some very important information regarding the number of lambs on the ground, the type of lambs, and
Lighter lambs dominate supply as prices decline
Supply crept higher this week to 392k head for lamb and sheep through to the yards, and prices retracted as harvest in the south and
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.
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.
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.