ONLINE AuctionsPlus wool sales retracted as the record-breaking physical wool market appeared to run its course last week.

LAMB prices fell nationally in saleyards early this week as more new season lambs came onto the market. The National Livestock Reporting Service recorded an increase in domestic buyer demand, but less export enquiry, with heavy and extra heavy weight lamb prices falling by up to $22 in New South Wales markets.

ONLINE wool sales resumed last week, with the resumption of the physical market and AuctionsPlus sold more than 900 bales before this week’s auctions started.

FIRST cross ewes with lambs sold to $258 and Merino ewe hoggets to $177 on AuctionsPlus last week. Sheep and lamb numbers increased slightly as patchy rain fell across parts of New South Wales and Victoria.

ONLINE wool demand was consistent last week as the auction market held firm before the annual three-week recess.

AUCTIONSPLUS online wool trading platform Wooltrade attracted limited buyer enquiry last week, as the physical auction market started the 2017/18 financial year by closing firm.

DRIER seasonal conditions have reduced clearance rates of sheep and lambs on the online livestock sale platform AuctionsPlus.

OLD lamb prices continued to slide in saleyards this week, with processors applying additional price pressure through lower carcase grid rates and restockers seeking new season lambs with less weight and dentition risk.

ONLINE wool demand again followed the fortunes of the physical auction markets last week, with limited enquiry on AuctionPlus’ Wooltrade system.

SALEYARD lamb prices fell further early this week and some processors dropped over-the-hook lamb and mutton rates as supply and quality declined. However, early new season lambs are still making to 700c/kg in saleyards and more than 800c/kg online through AuctionsPlus.