SHEEP and lamb prices trended cheaper on AuctionsPlus last week as numbers lifted about 10 percent to 53,963 head.

After several weeks of lower offerings, the 10pc increase contributed to the slightly cheaper average price trend across most categories, while clearance rates remained robust.

Lamb listings eased slightly this week, with 25,804 head offered, as only one category delivered a price increase.

Merino wethers registered the highest number of listings for the week, at 7872 head, down 3904 head from the previous week. While the category recorded a $12 decrease in average price to $143/head, the clearance rate jumped to 87pc, up 7pc. Merino ewe lambs recorded a $19 decrease to average $183/head, with an 87pc clearance rate.

AuctionsPlus said average prices for first cross and crossbred ewe lambs fell in value, down $13 and $4 respectively. Composite and other breed lambs were the only category to display upward movement, with a $32 increase in average price to $214 for the 1,953 head offered.

The joined ewe offering remained steady this week, with 17,830 head listed. While prices across four-out-of-seven indicative categories slipped, there was a lift in average clearance rates to 76pc, compared to the 53pc registered in the previous week. Scanned in-lamb Merino ewes recorded a $1 increase in average price to $244 for the 7158 head listed.

The offering of scanned in-lamb composite and other breed joined ewes contracted by 2622 to 2602 head. The average price dropped $38 to $302, but buyers remained very active, with a 95pc clearance rate, AuctionsPlus said. The top price for this category was a lot of 29 Poll Dorset ewes joined to Poll Dorset stud rams that sold for $505 at Marulan in New South Wales.

There was a substantial increase in unjoined ewe lines, up to 4108 head. The average price for Merino hogget ewes rose $23 to $234 and there was a 100pc clearance of the 823 head offered.

NOTE: Prices as at 5pm, Thursday 8th July, 2021

Source: AuctionsPlus.