Western Australia-Mutton numbers back up.

AUSTRALIA-MUTTON NUMBERS UP.

Sheep yardings markets in WA reached 42,250 head last week, 76pc higher than the previous week (impacted by the public holiday) and 36pc more than the same time last year, Meat and Livestock Australia reports.

MLA reports that intense competition from processors, live exporters and restockers is still encouraging producers to use the physical market system.

The shift to cropping is also placing more sheep on the market.

MLA says the lower Aussie dollar and strong demand from the Middle East is a key driver in the mutton market at present, particularly in WA.

Malaysia has also been a strongly performing market for Australian mutton.

In contrast, the US and the EU are currently purchasing product on a hand-to-mouth basis.

Live export demand remains very strong and continues to be the main driver in the WA market.

Mutton quality is very mixed as seasonal conditions affect pasture quality and quantity.