Australia-Lift in the lamb market.

AUSTRALIA-LAMB MARKET THIS WEEK.

National lamb supply at MLA’s NLRS reported physical markets lifted 8% on last week. Most states experienced a lift in lamb supply as rates remain strong for this time of year, which is driven by an anticipated shortfall of lambs.

All the regular buyers have been present and active. There has also been some strong competition for lightweight lambs from feeders and restockers. Generally, quality has been mixed with a fair percentage of heavy trades and heavy lambs, while there has also been ample numbers of lightweight lambs.

Sheep availability dwindles

Unlike lambs, national sheep numbers fell 4% when compared to the same time last week. Due to the shorter supply, there has been strong competition between buyers. Some buyers have been purchasing lightweight sheep in order to keep plants operational. Competition in WA between restockers, live export and processors is still very strong, and is also driven by dwindling mutton supplies.

Generally mutton quality has been mixed, with the majority medium weights. Heavy sheep are scarce, as not as many are being supplementary fed as previous years.

Indicators vary

At the close of Tuesday’s market, the eastern states sheep and lamb indicators experienced a mixed trend. Restocking lambs declined 8¢ to 404¢, while Merino lamb was firm at 369¢/kg cwt. Light lamb was also down 8¢ to 382¢/kg cwt. Trade and heavy lamb both lifted 15¢ to end at 450¢ and 460¢/kg cwt. Mutton was down 6¢ to 213¢/kg cwt.