Beyond the Saleyards: Lamb offerings jump in spring

Spring has sprung in lamb offerings, with the number for sale online through both Agora Livestock and Auctions plus jumping higher.

Values fell further this week, with the weight of supply continuing to affect the market.

Just being able to book stock in for delivery in WA is proving the biggest hurdle, as processors continue the 2022 struggle of being able to process enough sheep.

The Eastern Market Indicator fell 24¢/kg this week as buyers of Australian wool sat out of the market.

Only one international buyer was active in purchasing this week, which meant not even the lowest Australian dollar since April 2020 — when the pandemic began — could help the wool price.

On the east coast, direct cattle prices remain steady to higher, with some categories rallying 20¢/kg and the number of online listings also jumping significantly this week.

In WA, yardings and values increased.

The Western Young Cattle Indicator was at 940¢/kg when Countryman went to print on Tuesday, while the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator — which has been spiking of late — was at 1085.5¢/kg.

Processor and feedlot market bids at the start of the week (¢/kg or $/head):

● WA market indices: Weaner steers 602¢, weaner heifers 550¢, yearling steers 500¢, yearling heifers 490¢.

● SA market indices: Young cattle: 570¢, feeders/restockers: 602¢.

● East coast processor prices: MSA: steers 770, heifers 765¢. Cows 660¢. Jap Ox: steers 740¢, Bulls 545¢.

● Queensland feedlots: Black Angus: 585¢, Black Angus British X: POA, Wagyu X Angus: POA.

To contact buyers and for more price information please login to the Agora Livestock Markets app or online at www.agoralivestock.com.au.

Rob Kelly is the founder and managing director of Agora Livestock, a free service with the latest sheep, cattle and goat price grids in one easy-to-use app.