Simple supply and demand economics were in play this week, as softening throughput and slaughter provided a boost to prices. Trade and heavy lambs found strong support in most states, while store lambs failed to attract buyers.
East coast lamb yardings dropped 7% last week, compared to the week prior, to see 162,380 lambs yarded. Throughput was down in NSW and Victoria, but when compared to the five-year seasonal average NSW lamb yardings were 22% below average, and 6% higher in Victoria. In WA 16,443 head were yarded which was a slight lift week on week but 15% below the seasonal average. Sheep throughput was also down in the east, with 6% fewer sheep yarded than the week prior.
316,049 lambs were processed in the east for the week ending the 21st of May. This was a 5% drop on the week prior and 10% under the five year seasonal average.
The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESLTI) picked up an extra 30ȼ on the week to end at 843ȼ/kg cwt. This time last year the ESTLI was 70ȼ higher at 913ȼ/kg cwt. In the West trade lambs also improved, gaining 24ȼ over the week to 719ȼ/kg cwt. A year on year comparison shows the Western Australian Trade Lamb Inidcator is also 70ȼ lower.
Strong processor buying saw the National Heavy Lamb Indicator lift 9ȼ over the week to 796ȼ/kg cwt. Heavy lambs are trading at about 76ȼ under the same time last year.
Restocker lambs lost the gains made last week, dropping 23ȼ to 847ȼ/kg cwt. They were hardest hit in South Australia and NSW where the Restocker Lamb Indicators dropped a massive 110ȼ in SA, and 80ȼ in NSW a single week. Light lamb prices also softened, the national indicator dropping 9ȼ to 765ȼ/kg cwt.
Lower sheep supply also helped to lift the muttom market. The National Mutton Indicator gained 19ȼ to 655ȼ/kg cwt. This is just 19ȼ below the same time last year.
The week ahead….
Earlier in the week on Mecardo we cunched the numbers on our spring lamb forecast. While demand remains good, spring supply is likely to be stronger this year than last and that means lower prices. But until then, we still have the seasonal winter peak as supply tightens.
Livestock sectors across the board were impacted by the volatile market conditions and unpredicted weather conditions at the back end of 2023. The sheep industry
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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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Softening supply provides support
East coast lamb yardings dropped 7% last week, compared to the week prior, to see 162,380 lambs yarded. Throughput was down in NSW and Victoria, but when compared to the five-year seasonal average NSW lamb yardings were 22% below average, and 6% higher in Victoria. In WA 16,443 head were yarded which was a slight lift week on week but 15% below the seasonal average. Sheep throughput was also down in the east, with 6% fewer sheep yarded than the week prior.
316,049 lambs were processed in the east for the week ending the 21st of May. This was a 5% drop on the week prior and 10% under the five year seasonal average.
The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESLTI) picked up an extra 30ȼ on the week to end at 843ȼ/kg cwt. This time last year the ESTLI was 70ȼ higher at 913ȼ/kg cwt. In the West trade lambs also improved, gaining 24ȼ over the week to 719ȼ/kg cwt. A year on year comparison shows the Western Australian Trade Lamb Inidcator is also 70ȼ lower.
Strong processor buying saw the National Heavy Lamb Indicator lift 9ȼ over the week to 796ȼ/kg cwt. Heavy lambs are trading at about 76ȼ under the same time last year.
Restocker lambs lost the gains made last week, dropping 23ȼ to 847ȼ/kg cwt. They were hardest hit in South Australia and NSW where the Restocker Lamb Indicators dropped a massive 110ȼ in SA, and 80ȼ in NSW a single week. Light lamb prices also softened, the national indicator dropping 9ȼ to 765ȼ/kg cwt.
Lower sheep supply also helped to lift the muttom market. The National Mutton Indicator gained 19ȼ to 655ȼ/kg cwt. This is just 19ȼ below the same time last year.
The week ahead….
Earlier in the week on Mecardo we cunched the numbers on our spring lamb forecast. While demand remains good, spring supply is likely to be stronger this year than last and that means lower prices. But until then, we still have the seasonal winter peak as supply tightens.
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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.
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.