Livestock markets have had one of their strongest weeks this year, with a further pick-up in export interest adding to the already stronger restocker demand, according to the MLA.
Cattle prices rose almost across the board, with the eastern young cattle index (EYCI) passing 320¢/kg cwt for the first time since January.
It's now 2pc higher than at this time last year.
The biggest jump in prices came in southern saleyards - and in over-the-hooks prices.
Export categories are showing clear signs of the anticipated pick up in demand for beef.
This is being influenced by the low $A, depletion of stocks, and a seasonal pick-up in demand from Japan and Korea.
An easing in South American competition has also helped, just as Russia returns to the export market as a buyer.
Even grainfed cattle prices are rising, after a poor start to the year.
This new lift promises to flow through to a rise in interest in feeder cattle, MLA says.
In the lamb market, strong pre-Easter export demand, the low $A and anticipation of tighter supplies later in autumn continue to fuel prices.
They've lifted to records for this time of the year.
A big jump in yardings of heavier export lambs failed to stem the price rise.
There's been a further 11¢/kg jump in saleyard prices this week for heavier lambs, to 443¢/kg cwt - that's more than 30pc higher than last year's prices for heavier lambs.
However, the biggest price rises came for restocker lambs, Merino lambs and sheep.
That's been spurred on by falling numbers and keener interest from restockers, rekindled by the recent rains.
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