Beyond the Saleyards: Producers hold store lambs after rain boosts confidence

The sheep and lamb market hasn’t seen a significant shift in bids over the past week but the asking price is climbing. The rains across large parts of the State last week have given a lot of producers the confidence to hold store lambs. They understand the supply situation heading into the end of the year. On the east coast, south west Victoria into south-east South Australia are not getting the rain they need, and they are continuing to turn off store lambs earlier than they would like. This will take some of the traditional early-season east coast demand out of WA with local sellers looking for homes. Liveweight prices on the east coast for good store lambs (37kg) are $3.50/kg for crossbred lambs, and $3 for Merinos. Freight to the east coast remains around $0.60/kg for stores. Hook prices are between $8.50 and $9.00/kg HSCW. Mutton markets in the east are $4 or better, and need to be close to that in WA. Dry ewes are starting to become available but there’s not an abundance of them on offer yet. Goat markets remain around $4/kg HSCW on the east coast. 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.