Store lamb numbers were low compared with last year, when drought conditions forced many vendors’ hands, and quality was top notch, with most lambs Romney-Texel or Suffolk-Texel from Mackenzie country. Up until this sale $70 has been the price ceiling, but few sold below that level this week, with ewe lambs making $64-$79, males $72-$83 and mixed-sex $67-$81.
Signs were also more positive in the prime lamb pens where an extra buyer helped firm prices to $80-$105. Ewe numbers were very low and prices remained steady at $55-$76.
With processors now back to full shifts following two short weeks, normality returned to the rostrum for a yarding top-heavy with dairy cows. Better Friesian lines sold on a steady to firm market because a lack of dairy grazing contracts has brought fresh demand to the bench from those looking to buy boners to graze. This unusual scenario is playing into the hands of vendors with $1.40/kg underpinning the market, and is creating another avenue other than the limited space at the processors.
Friesian and crossbred cows, 460-542kg, sold in a tight band of $1.36-$1.49/kg, with Friesian-cross, 491-562kg, at $1.46-$1.52/kg. Lighter Friesian-cross eased slightly to $1.30-$1.42/kg for 386-481kg.
Heifers were the only other section of substance and again buyers looking for cattle to fatten plumped up the market. Most local trade types sold above schedule, with Hereford cross, 455-590kg, making $2.70-$2.80/kg.
Steer numbers were limited, but mainly sold for $2.75-$2.79/kg for beef and exotic, with Charolais, 416kg, at $2.90/kg.
