Lamb numbers increased and the quality slipped with a smaller run of prime lambs. Trade weights were best supplied and there was a good run of heavy lambs. Secondary lambs increased.

There were several drafts of Merino lambs with most having a shorter skin. The market trend was dearer especially on trade weights as buyers looked for finished lambs around 20-23kg dressed. Light 2 score processing lambs were $8 dearer selling from $76 to $108/head. The medium and heavy trade weights were $8 to $12/head dearer on most with some trade selling to dearer trends. Prices ranged from $133 to $164/head averaging 670c to 675c/kg.

Heavy lambs were $3 to $6 stronger ranging from $152 to $174/head and extra heavy lambs reached $182/head. Carcass prices averaged 630c to 670c/kg. The best priced hogget were Merinos which sold to $150/head. Mutton numbers lifted and the quality was fair. Ewes made up the bulk of the yarding but there were few large drafts of wethers. Prices lifted $9 on the medium weight crossbred ewes and remained similar on the Merinos with prices ranging from $100 to $124/head.

Heavy sheep lifted $3 to $4 and ranged from $136 to $151/head and heavy Merino wethers $124 to $137/head. Heavy sheep averaged 460c to 480c/kg.

SHORN LAMBS

120   RJ Lubke, Jindera  182.00

60   JN McIntosh, Yackanbah              175.00

58   HJ Hamdorf, Burrumbuttock       174.00

44   C Severin, Balldale                       174.00

96   Waldeck, Henty                              171.00

33   LC Vogel, Cudgewa                      170.60

63   J & C Lloyd, Brocklesby                170.00

41   M & J Austin, Mulwala                   170.00

31   AR Swift, Warrenbayne                169.20

22   Feuerherdt Past, Culcairn            169.00

77   KR Bird, Balldale                            168.00

41   JM & CE Gorman, Yarrawonga   168.00

27   KE, GA & WG Hall, Burrumbuttock 162.00

13   Calool Co, Culcairn                       158.20

31   I & A Hammond, Goorambat       155.00

MERINO LAMBS

82   JM & CE Gorman, Yarrawonga   140.00

153 Wongamong, Oaklands  128.00

125 Brindley/Wilson, Corowa  126.00

65   J Williamson, Whorouley             107.20

XBRED EWES

10   Inglemar Past, Walbundrie          150.00

77   DJ & SL Godde, Culcairn             148.00

81   Calool Co, Culcairn                       146.00

15   Innesvale Farms, Berrigan          146.00

21   R, W & VJ McMonigle, Glenrowan 145.00

28   GF & JN Cunningham, Walla Walla 142.00

MERINO EWES

76   GJ & JM Talbot, Coreen               145.00

11   I & M Ramage, Benalla                 141.20

66   CS & SL Burston, Goorambat     127.20

19   AB & AM Klein, Henty                   124.00

26   Oraglo P/L, Oaklands                    115.20

Thursday, July 20

Numbers lifted substantially and quality across trade classes was excellent, with shorn lambs a feature of the sale. This week, agents offered 4000 new season lambs, mostly medium and heavy trade weights. New season lambs and old trade lambs benefited from strong demand from a major supermarket buyer who pushed prices along for all well finished types. Light weight MKL bag lambs were in short supply and only a few processors were interested in this category. All export and trade buyers were present. Store orders were fewer, with most farmers sitting on the sidelines due to seasonal conditions.

There were some very good pens of new season lambs offered throughout the yarding and all sold to solid competition. New season lambs made from $128 to $165/head.

Tuesday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 26

1 Landmark; 2 Peter Ruaro Livestock/Rodwells; 3 Elders; 4 Corcoran Parker; 5 Paull & Scollard; 6 Schubert Boers; 7 Brian Unthank Rural.