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Beyond the Saleyards — Sheep markets well supported

Rob KellyCountryman

WA direct-to-end-user sheep markets were well supported last week with several buyers increasing their lamb bids to 760¢, just under the current top bid of 780¢.

Sheep prices were unchanged with most buyers bidding 620-630¢.

In the saleyards, prices for feeder lambs were stronger but heavier lambs saw a drop in prices.

Sheep values were firmer in the yards from the previous week.

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Wool prices finished the week stronger with the EMI up 21¢ to 1312¢. Superfine wool in particular showed a good increase in demand.

Goat markets were flat again.

East coast depots remain around 400¢, butchers around 1000¢ and processors at about 880¢ for carcasses weighing more than 6kg.

In WA, Beaufort River Meats is currently bidding 720¢. Direct cattle markets were flat on the east coast last week. MSA steer bids started at 660¢ and increased, while cows are bidding at more than 580¢ and bulls at about 470¢.

Feedlots are bidding 490-500¢ for Black Angus cross cattle. Lastly, northern exporters are continuing to bid around 400¢ for Brahman steers and 20¢ less for heifers.

Processor and feedlot market bids at the start of the week (¢/kg or $/head):

WA restockers: Angus/Murray Grey milk tooth feeder cattle — steers 480¢, heifers 450¢.

East coast processor prices: 100 day grain fed (HGP free): steers 700¢, heifers 695¢. Grass fed: steers 695¢, heifers 690¢. Cows 600¢. Bulls 530¢.

Queensland feedlots: Black Angus: 500¢, Black Angus British X: 490¢, Wagyu X Angus: 665¢.

Queensland export orders: Feeder steers 400¢, slaughter steers 380¢. Feeder bulls 370¢, heifers 360¢, cows 300¢.

NSW feedlots (steers): Black Angus: 425¢. British, Euro X, Flat Back: 465¢, XB 445¢.

China export orders: Heifers (unjoined): Friesians $2100 Holstein (200+ kgs, no blood tests) $1000-$1200. Red Angus $1300. Jersey unjoined heifers (200kg) $1300.

Full price grids and details for all these orders are available in the LIVEstock Pricing app and online at livestockpricing.com.au.

Rob Kelly is the founder and managing director of LIVEstock Pricing, a free service with the latest sheep, cattle and goat price grids in one easy-to-use app.

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