NEW season lamb supplies increased at major saleyards early this week, but were still only about half what was offered at the same time last year, Meat & Livestock has reported.
Despite widespread, and in some parts very heavy, rain across most parts of the eastern states, the approaching long weekend saw saleyard numbers increase during the first half of this week, MLA.
A greater supply of young lambs marketed were recorded at all major selling centres, compared to last week. In New South Wales, throughput at Dubbo and Corowa almost doubled week-on-week. In Victoria and South Australia, yardings at Ballarat, Naracoorte and the SA Livestock Exchange all increased, MLA said.
This week, processors accounted for 73 percent of eastern states young lamb saleyard purchases. Restockers accounted for 9pc – around 10pc lower than the corresponding week last year. Conversely, eastern states lamb slaughter for week ending September 23 declined to 315,677 head – down 8pc week-on-week and 9pc lower than the five-year average of 345,635 head, MLA said.
Lamb over-the-hook indicators have remained somewhat steady over the past few weeks, with Victorian trade weight young lambs reaching a high of 620c/kg, while trade weight young lambs in NSW topped at 610c/kg cwt.
MLA said after the October long weekend, lamb saleyard supply typically continues to gather momentum until Christmas. However, the prolonged wet conditions may restrict stock movement in some areas and, furthermore, the abundance of feed may see producers carry lambs on to heavier weights over the next few months.
Source: MLA.
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