To see finished lambs prices starting with a 9 (on a carcase weight basis) in spring is nothing short of impressive. While prices slipped across most categories of lamb this week, at these levels the sheepmeat demand story is very positive.
Producers were motivated to get stock off the paddock and to the yards. Last week 167,271 lambs were yarded in the east, which was a 10% lift on the week prior. All states contributed to the lift which saw 14% more lambs yarded than we typically see at this time of the year. In Western Australia lamb yardings also increased, by around 25%, but remain below average levels. Sheep supply also surged in the east 36% higher than the week earlier, to see 52,077 sheep yarded in the east.
There was another decline in slaughter numbers though. Total lamb slaughter dropped 9% on the week prior to see 307,288 head processed. Lamb slaughter rates continue to track above the five year seasonal average. Sheep slaughter slipped just 3% on the week prior.
The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator dropped 16ȼ on the week to 929ȼ/kg cwt. In the West, trade lambs slipped 1ȼ to 743ȼ/kg cwt. Merino lambs were the only National Indicator to improve on the week prior, gaining just 1ȼ. In both NSW and Vic Merino lambs are currently trading at around 830ȼ/kg cwt, while in SA they are at 878ȼ/kg cwt.
The National Heavy Lamb Indicator dropped 23ȼ over the week to 945ȼ/kg cwt but remains 300ȼ higher than the same time last year. There is just a 45ȼ difference on a carcase weight basis between the National Heavy Lamb Indicator and Restocker Lamb Indicator, which is currently sitting at 995ȼ/kg cwt and 290ȼ higher than 12 months ago.
Tasmania is holding the title of most expensive mutton in Australia, with the Tassie indicator at 715ȼ/kg cwt, while the National Mutton Indicator is holding relatively steady at 673ȼ/kg cwt.
The week ahead….
We typically see a rapid fall from the price peak which then becomes more gradual as we move through spring. This hasn’t been the case so far this season, and with radars pointing to a wet week ahead across much of the east, and south west WA, we might not see the plunge that we’re used to.
A short week, and closed saleyards on Thursday has culminated in some relief on the supply front as combined lamb and sheep yardings nationally dropped
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.
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.
Spring starting strong
Producers were motivated to get stock off the paddock and to the yards. Last week 167,271 lambs were yarded in the east, which was a 10% lift on the week prior. All states contributed to the lift which saw 14% more lambs yarded than we typically see at this time of the year. In Western Australia lamb yardings also increased, by around 25%, but remain below average levels. Sheep supply also surged in the east 36% higher than the week earlier, to see 52,077 sheep yarded in the east.
There was another decline in slaughter numbers though. Total lamb slaughter dropped 9% on the week prior to see 307,288 head processed. Lamb slaughter rates continue to track above the five year seasonal average. Sheep slaughter slipped just 3% on the week prior.
The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator dropped 16ȼ on the week to 929ȼ/kg cwt. In the West, trade lambs slipped 1ȼ to 743ȼ/kg cwt. Merino lambs were the only National Indicator to improve on the week prior, gaining just 1ȼ. In both NSW and Vic Merino lambs are currently trading at around 830ȼ/kg cwt, while in SA they are at 878ȼ/kg cwt.
The National Heavy Lamb Indicator dropped 23ȼ over the week to 945ȼ/kg cwt but remains 300ȼ higher than the same time last year. There is just a 45ȼ difference on a carcase weight basis between the National Heavy Lamb Indicator and Restocker Lamb Indicator, which is currently sitting at 995ȼ/kg cwt and 290ȼ higher than 12 months ago.
Tasmania is holding the title of most expensive mutton in Australia, with the Tassie indicator at 715ȼ/kg cwt, while the National Mutton Indicator is holding relatively steady at 673ȼ/kg cwt.
The week ahead….
We typically see a rapid fall from the price peak which then becomes more gradual as we move through spring. This hasn’t been the case so far this season, and with radars pointing to a wet week ahead across much of the east, and south west WA, we might not see the plunge that we’re used to.
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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.
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.