Beyond the Saleyards: WA lamb sales in the doldrums

Joseph Samuel Girard — the Guinness World Record-holder who famously sold 13,001 new cars and trucks at the Merollis Chevrolet dealership in Michigan, USA, between 1963 and 1977 — could not sell WA lambs at the moment. In the saleyards, you’ll be getting $5.30/kg hot standard carcase weight, compared with $7—$7.20 in Victoria and New South Wales. And you can take another 50¢ off if you are trying to sell an 18—30kg carcass weight Merino lamb in WA. There is some east coast interest in the markets, but not enough to remedy the current oversupply. Direct consignment sheep and lamb prices (HSCW) from the Agora Livestock Markets app: ● XB trade lambs: WA direct: no quote, saleyards: $5.30/kg, east coast $7—$7.10 (unchanged). ● Merino trade lambs: WA direct: no quote, saleyards: $4.70/kg, east coast $6.20—$6.60 (unchanged). ● Mutton: WA $3.30 (unchanged), east coast saleyards $4.50—$4.60/kg (unchanged). Goats remain unchanged in WA at $2.80/kg HSCW, but the east coast has shown some small sparks with depot prices increasing 20¢ to $1/kg. Direct consignment goat prices: ● Liveweight: east coast 90¢/kg (unchanged). ● HSCW: WA $2.80 (unchanged), east coast POA (unchanged). Cattle markets have been slightly weaker over the past fortnight, with trades being done at market levels outlined below. The situation remains that producers and backgrounders are looking for higher prices on the back of high weaner costs earlier in the year. Direct consignment live export and feeder cattle bids: ● Live export steers $3.70 (unchanged). ● Live export heifers $3.70 (unchanged). ● Feedlot mixed breed steers $4—$4.20 (unchanged) ● Feedlot mixed breed heifers $3.60—$3.90 (unchanged) All prices quoted are available in the Agora Livestock Markets app, available free on the app stores. 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.