WA’s crossbred lamb adds value

The WA sheep market has gained strength on the back of increasing crossbred lamb value.

WA Meat Marketing Co-Operative, V&V Walsh and Hillside Meat Processors all increased crossbred lamb bids last week, bringing prices between $6.80 and $7.

WAMMCO also released a forward lamb grid paying $7.30 for January delivery.

Hogget and mutton prices were firm to higher, with hogget values up to $5.20 at Great Eastern Abattoir at Tammin.

Mutton is consistently $4.80 across most WA processors.

On the east coast, Queensland and NSW markets were stronger for mutton and hogget, with Thomas Foods International and Western Meat Exporters increasing prices.

Hogget is now bid about $6.20 and $6.10 in NSW and Queensland, respectively.

In Victoria, the market was weaker and summer forward schedules are booking up.

JBS Australia closed its forward contracting for deliveries before Australia Day, leaving $7.40 for February delivery in South Australia and Victoria.

Spot grids in Victoria were down as much as 30¢, with new-season crossbred lambs now sitting about $7.30 and Merino lambs at $7.

The goat market was a touch weaker with bids in Queensland coming off 10¢ to $9.40.

However, Victoria and South Australia was steady at $9, while $8 was still available in WA.

Cattle live export markets were stable again.

Brahman out of the Northern Territory are bid at $3.35 for steers and $3.15 for heifers.

In Queensland, the market is bid about 20¢ lower.

Processor grids were slightly lower in Queensland, with Tey Australia reducing its bids by 10¢ for most grass and grain-fed grids.

In Victoria, cow prices have eased up to 20¢ and are now bid at $5.10 by Victoria Valley Meat Exports.

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.