It was a solid yarding at Tuesday’s sheep and lamb sale, with a total of 922 head penned. The majority of the offering presented in good condition, with well-covered sheep and lambs dominating the yard. Store types were in limited supply, and while all regular buyers were in attendance, competition for restocker lambs remained subdued.
Heavyweight crossbred lambs (58kg+) led the market, reaching a top of $230 per head. Trade-weight crossbreds (50-57kg) held firm, ranging from $192.50 to $206 per head. Medium-weight lambs (45-50kg) with good cover made from $157.50 to $191 per head. Lighter, well-framed store crossbred lambs topped at $106, while Merino store lambs reached $57.
In the mutton market, heavy crossbred hoggets sold from $111 to a peak of $150 per head. Well-finished heavy crossbred ewes topped at $130, while their Merino counterparts made up to $120. Medium-weight crossbred ewes ranged from $75 to $95, with Merinos in a similar weight bracket selling between $70 and $92 per head. Lighter Merino sheep, more suited to restockers, made between $48 and $55 per head.
Rams sold at a flat rate of $20 per head.
Market analysis by Hannah Dunn – Newberry te Velde Carige Agencies.
