Beyond the Saleyards: Local feedlots struggling to compete with east coast over difference in grid price

The medium-weight (30kg-40kg) store market has been under pressure in WA.

East coast prices have eased back to around $3.20/kg, dropping their WA price to around $2.40/kg.

However, at the same time harvest is getting under way here so local buyers are back in the market. This has put some support in at around $2.60.

Heavy lambs are in shortage and still in demand. Two crossbred trade lambs were bid $3.10/kg on-farm last week.

Buyers have shifted more space than is normal at this time of year from lamb to mutton, where the margins are better.

Going forward it’s hard to see there being enough trade lambs in WA to support the buyers into next winter.

A lot of 30kg-38kg store crossbred lambs have moved across the border. Local feedlots were unable to compete with east-coast feedlots based on the difference between the grid price they were being offered and what the east-coast feedlots were getting.

If you want to see prices from feedlots, live exporters, processors and restockers, download the Agora Livestock app and jump on a free trial to see what’s available.

For more info. call us on 1300 812 345 or visit agoralivestock.com.au/marketplace.

WA Feeder Lamb Orders (four-deck minimum, prices indicative until confirmed with buyer). Starting bids:

• XB store lambs: 30kg-40kg $2.60 (down $0.20)
• XB trade lambs: >50kg $2.90 (down $0.10)
• 2X trade lambs: 45kg -60kg $3.10 — new
• Merino lambs: min 28kg $2.00
• Merino lambs: min 35kg $2.20 (down $0.20)
• Merino lambs: min 40kg $2.85
• Shedder lambs: min 34kg $2.80

To inquire about bookings, contact Rob Kelly on 0483 929 988.

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.