Lambs from the Chatham Islands and Central Otago helped lift sheep numbers to 7800 head. Of that 3800 were in the store pens, though due to the inclusion of the lambs from the island most were heavy mixed sex. This market had a softer tone though still managed $164-$189, with medium to good lambs making $120-$153. Light lines sold for $86-$115. A consignment of Merino hoggets made good value at $121-$158.
Very heavy prime lambs came back $5-$10, but the volume of these types meant that just under half of the section traded at $200-$215, with a further 40% ranging from $180-$199.
More ewes with lambs-at-foot ventured forward and met keen interest. A line of 61 ewes and 56 lambs made $112 all counted, while other lines ranged from $80 to $120.
A regular buyer’s return to the ewe market firmed prices and a good portion sold for $202-$262, with $110-$168 common for the remainder.
A lack of buyers for cattle meant all classes at least eased, though cows dropped by a bigger degree.
Fewer steers hit $3.00/kg mark, with prices for heavier traditional lines easing 4-5c/kg to $2.90-$3.00/kg. Three Angus, 520-540kg, did sneak up to $3.08/kg, but 470-518kg eased to $2.80-$2.86/kg.
All bar very heavy heifers came back 10-15c/kg and Hereford, 448-556kg, sold in two ranges – with better yielding types making $2.86-$2.91/kg, and second cuts, $2.75-$2.81/kg.
Boner cows lost 9-18c/kg and heavier lines really felt the impact, with lighter lines not punished quite so much. Friesian, 493-705kg, sold for $1.75-$1.86/kg, and 400-493kg, $1.64-$1.73/kg.
