Most of the store lambs were mixed-sex in good to heavy condition and made $79-$90. Medium lines sold for $80-$89, while a small lighter end fetched $78-$84. Ewe lambs were good quality and mainly returned $77-$96.
Prime lamb numbers lifted as dry conditions and good prices drew them out. Prices were firm, with most making $90-$130.
Prime ewes were steady on last week’s improved market, as a reduction in lamb numbers turned some processors’ attention to mutton. Medium types were making $50-$68, while the better types sold to $70-$89. Two-tooth ewes made $57-$62, while older light male wethers sold for $51-$65, with the tops earning $80-$97.
While dairy cows still made up a large portion of the cattle sale, it was on a much smaller scale as Gypsy Day slowed the number of cull cows. This put pressure on buyers and prices lifted. Friesian and Friesian-cross cows mainly fetched $1.64-$1.75/kg, heavier, better yielding types $1.78-$1.84/kg. Jersey-cross also improved, earning $1.60-$1.66/kg, Hereford cows $1.99-$2.01/kg, Angus-cross $1.84-$1.90/kg.
Finished cattle were hard to find and steer prices showed improvement, with Hereford-cross, Charolais-cross, and Devon selling for $2.80-$2.86/kg, second cuts $2.71-$2.80/kg. The best heifers made $2.79-$2.86/kg for cattle of similar breeding. The top Friesian lines earned $2.61-$2.71/kg, second cuts $2.40-$2.51/kg.
A larger offering of bulls was top-heavy with big Friesians and were well-sought after, with most going under the hammer for $2.64-$2.72/kg.
