Beyond the Saleyards: WA lambs move east

WA lambs continue to move across the border, with South Australian buyers in the market for heavy lambs. Locally, mutton remains the preferred domestic processing option. However, spot bookings are still incredibly limited and many producers and agents are still very overstocked, particularly given the dry start to the season. Unfortunately, east coast sheep and lamb markets have also eased over the past week, reducing the spread and attractiveness of WA lambs. Direct consignment sheep and lamb prices (hot standard carcase weight) from the Agora Livestock Markets app: ● XB trade lambs: WA direct: no quote, saleyards: $5/kg, east coast $6.60ish (down 20¢) ● Merino trade lambs: WA direct: no quote, saleyards: $4.50/kg, east coast $6.40 (unchanged) ● Mutton: WA $3.20 (unchanged), east coast $3.80/kg (unchanged). Goat markets have been stable for the past week. Direct consignment goat prices: ● Liveweight: east coast $1.20/kg (unchanged) ● HSCW: WA $2.80 (unchanged), east coast $3.50 (unchanged). Cattle markets in WA have experienced another week of downward pressure. Direct consignment live export and feeder cattle bids as of May 30: ● Live export steers $3.20 (unchanged) ● Live export heifers $3 (unchanged) ● Feedlot mixed breed steers $3.60 — $3.80 (unchanged) ● Feedlot mixed breed heifers $3.20 — $3.40 (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.