A very steady run of prices was evident through the sheep pens, with both lambs and ewes holding value. Numbers are on the vendor’s side as demand outweighs supply. Good sized lines of male and ram lambs traded at $128.50-$151. The mixed sex lineup were a credit to vendors with most very heavy types at $143-$159, though one small line sold to $164. The remainder made $120-$139.
Ewes sold over a tight range of very consistent pricing. The top lines traded at $120-$148, with the balance earning $91-$116.
In the rostrum a very small beef offering was limited in quality, though did feature a line of good Angus cows, 551kg that achieved $2.37/kg, while Angus-Friesian, 460-463kg, traded at $1.77-$1.88/kg. Six Hereford bulls, 687kg, returned $3.13/kg while Friesian, 685kg, fetched $2.91/kg.
As expected dairy heifers and cows made up the biggest portion of the yarding, and while there was good competition from both traders and processors, the cow market came off the previous week’s level. A much larger number did fall in the 450-510kg range so may have been partly responsible for the easing, with prices averaging $1.88/kg. A line of 579kg also eased to $1.94/kg, while other small lines of younger cows that would grade as heifers reached their values. Heifer prices firmed with prices very pleasing for the small number entered. Friesian, 415kg, returned $2.40-$2.42/kg.
