Beyond the Saleyards: East coast snaps up cheap lambs

Lamb markets in WA remain relatively flat. On-farm, 40kg or heavier Merinos continue to head east with prices around $1.60/kg. XB lambs are nearing the end of their demand locally but east coast buyers are still chasing them. The strongest WA market for the past seven days has been the heavy mutton market, with buyers starting to compete for animals that can make over 30kg hot standard carcase weight (HSCW). Prior to this, Fletchers was the only active buyer at around $1.30/kg. The market is 20¢ firmer than this now, but supplies are much lower. On the east coast, hook prices for lambs and hoggets have been relatively flat. Mutton is mostly quoted in the $2.70-$3 range, which is unfortunately not high enough to cover the freight across the country. Cattle markets continue to move along. Live exporters are buying out into mid-May and high-grade Brahman steers continue to fetch around $3/kg liveweight. Local steers are being bid around $2.70 and heifers around $2.30. Cows are bid at $1.50/kg for local cattle and slightly less for pastoral type animals. All prices quoted are available in the Agora Livestock Markets app — available free on the app stores. Agora Livestock has recently released a marketplace for agents and farmers to list livestock for sale. For more info call us on 1300 812 345 or visit agoralivestock.com.au/marketplace. Rob Kelly is the founder and managing director of Agora Livestock, a free service with the latest sheep, cattle and goat price grids in one easy-to-use app.