These 19-20 month-old scanned in-lamb first cross ewes at Wirrinya in NSW sold for $324 on AuctionsPlus last week.

COMMERCIAL sheep and lamb listings on AuctionsPlus lifted 71 percent to 54,003 head in the first full week following Easter.

The overall clearance rate improved by 7pc week-on-week, making it the fourth consecutive week that clearance rates have increased, AuctionsPlus said.

However, the higher supply kept prices generally flat to lower as the average value over reserve fell by $3 to $13.

The sheep and lamb market is now entering its seasonal low supply period as sowing takes priority and lambing kicks off. Therefore, listings and prices are expected to remain subdued for the next few months, AuctionsPlus said.

Crossbred lambs registered 9,834 head and averaged $111/head – down $2 from last week for an 88% clearance rate. Per kilogram price ranged from 222c-367c and averaged 311c/kg lwt. From Manilla, NSW, two even lines of 580 Aug/Sep 22’ drop White Suffolk/Merino mixed sex store lambs weighing 37kg returned $135/head, or 367c/kg lwt.

Merino wether lambs registered 4,115 head and averaged $82/head – down $1 from last week for a 77% clearance rate. Per kilogram prices ranged from 188-287c and averaged 225c/kg lwt. From Wychitella, Victoria, a line of 530 May/Jun 22’ drop Merino store wether lambs weighing 40kg returned $90/head, or 225c/kg lwt.

Scanned in-lamb Merino ewes registered 11,279 head and averaged $151/head – down $16 from last week for a 52% clearance rate. From Darlington Point, NSW, a line of 660 six-year-old Merino ewes weighing 67kg and SIL to Poll Dorset rams returned $155/head, or 232c/kg lwt.

Scanned in-lamb composite/other breed ewes registered 2,148 head and averaged $187/head – down $53 from last week for a 100% clearance rate. From Minimay, Victoria, a line of 260 rising three-year-old Dohne ewes weighing 69kg and SIL to Poll Dorset rams returned $205/head.

Note: Prices as at 5pm Thursday, 20th April 2023

Source – AuctionsPlus.