Store lamb volumes were slightly down but quality was up with most lambs mixed-sex and medium to good condition. These sold for $79-$89, lighter types $67-$72. Male lambs earned $79-$89, Merino male lambs $78, ewe lambs $76.
The prime lamb market continued to firm and buyers were hard-pressed to find lines of less than $90. Most traded at $90-$119. Ewes sold to last week’s levels, with most making $50-$77. A sizeable offering of Merino rams fetched $25-$55.
With reduced numbers of cows heading directly to the processors, demand at auction picked up, and prices were firm for the 680 offered. Five hundred were Friesian or Friesian-cross, and most returned $1.40-$1.55/kg, with a small prime top end at $1.55-$1.65/kg. Jersey-cross and Devon-cross fetched $1.47-$1.49/kg, prime Hereford $1.78-$1.84/kg.
Other sections were low in volume, but prices reflected steady demand. Hereford and Charolais steers sold for $2.64-$2.76/kg, second-cut lines $2.49-$2.50/kg. The best heifers made $2.55-$2.69/kg, ex-sire bulls $2.10-$2.20/kg, younger lines $2.40-$2.50/kg.