These April-May 2023 drop Merino wether lambs weighing 39.3kg at Binalong in NSW sold for $58 on AuctionsPlus last week.

AUCTIONSPLUS commercial sheep and lamb numbers rose 11 percent to 77,917 head last week and prices improved for most Merino categories.

The overall clearance came back slightly, falling four percentage points to 65pc.

Value over reserve also fell, finishing the week at an average of $6 above set reserves.

AuctionsPlus said despite the drop in the crossbred lamb indicator, over half of reported sheep and lamb categories registered price gains.

A particular highlight this week was the stronger prices received for Merino categories, with all but Merino ewe hoggets experiencing price increases.

The offering comprised mainly lambs and unjoined ewes, with both categories registering increases, driven by new season lambs and a much larger number of Merino ewes.

The number of lambs offered increased by 16pc to total 58,912 head and unjoined ewes rose 11pc to 17,182 head.

AuctionsPlus offered 54,294 new season lambs, with demand on a par with the remainder of the sale at a 64pc clearance. The average price came back to $58/head. Processors and feedlot buyers continue to be active week-on-week, buying just over 1200 head.

Buyers were selective among the offering of 35,189 crossbred lambs and the clearance rate reached a subdued 56pc, with the average price decreasing by $3 to $58/head. At Cowra in New South Wales, 335 mixed sex April/May 2023 drop Poll Dorset cross lambs weighing 44kg lwt sold for $96/head, or 219c/kg.

The Merino ewe lamb offering decreased to 3185 head and the average price lifted by $20 to $54. Price spreads were significant, ranging from $30 to $152, and the demand for the offering was strong, with clearance hitting 86pc. At Nyngan in NSW, the top price of $152 was paid for 460 MPM ewe lambs averaging 54kg.

The Merino ewe offered jumped by 144pc to 4432 head. The larger offering resulted in an auction clearance of 66pc and the average price lifted by $11 to $76. At Wanganella in NSW, two even lines of 200 rising three year-old Poll Merino ewes weighing 66kg made $144.

Note: Prices as at 5pm Thursday, 10th November 2023

Source – AuctionsPlus.