Just over 4400 lambs were offered in the store pens, and included long term lines showing the effects of dry conditions. The market softened $4 per head as buyers were selective on these types.
The better mixed sex lines were relatively good shopping as they made $87-$100, though medium types sold on a firm market at $85-$98. Light lambs sold for high prices of $63-$89. A few fine wool lines were well off the pace at $46-$80.
The prime markets were the opposite of the store lambs, with the consistent run continuing. Nearly 1000 prime lambs were offered, with prices firm at $110-$159.
The ewe market moved in the same vein, with good demand reflected in steady prices. The bulk of the ewes sat in a $100-$149 price bracket, with heavier lines selling to $150-$198, and a small lighter end, $50-$99.
Breeding ewes did make a bit of an appearance though prices were very similar to those in the prime pens. A line of 5-year Romney reached $182, while a consignment of medium to good condition Coopworth had the top lines earning $120-$130.
Rain has eased pressure for farmers to offload, and opened up more doors to carry cattle to heavier weights. This meant just moderate numbers for sale, with the bulk dairy cows and heifers, and ex-service bulls.
Quality was mixed through the steer pens and while all lines sold on a strong market relative to their quality and condition, the majority traded at $2.70-$2.80/kg, with a few better yielding Hereford and Angus pushing to $2.84-$2.93/kg.
A big offering of Hereford heifers was also a mixed bunch, but 535-645kg made steady returns at $2.77/kg, while forward stores, 430-448kg, returned $2.78-$2.84/kg.
Ex-service bulls are still coming forward in decent numbers, and Angus and Hereford, 575-785kg, firmed to $2.83/kg, while high yielding Red bulls with weights in excess of 700kg sold over the $2000 mark. At the other end of the scale Jersey, 523-578kg, made solid returns of $2.66-$2.73/kg.
Boner Friesian heifers, 375-475kg, firmed to $2.16/kg, while Friesian cows held their value with top lines up to $2.00-$2.11/kg, and most others, $1.86-$1.99/kg.
