The lamb market is showing no signs of slowing for the Christmas break, with both yardings and prices rising further this week, according to Meat and Livestock Australia.
Lamb numbers through saleyards covered by MLA's National Livestock Reporting Service were 11pc higher than a year earlier, with Victorian throughput 18pc higher.
Despite the large numbers, national lamb price averages rose a further 5-10pc, to be around 40pc higher than 2007.
MLA says lamb and sheep markets continue to factor in expected tighter supplies over the summer months.
The highest per kilogram prices were for heavy export lambs, which averaged 416ยข/kg (carcase weight), some 50pc higher than last year.
MLA says this reflects current and expected tight supplies of this category and the low Aussie dollar.
In contrast to lamb and sheep, MLA reports that cattle markets are slowing, as numbers tighten and northern processors prepare for an early Christmas closure.
Cattle numbers at MLA's NLRS reported saleyards were down 7pc year-on-year this week, with only Victoria and WA showing higher numbers than last year.
Cattle prices remained firm across both saleyard and direct selling.
The exception was a small rise for younger cattle categories, on the back of strong restocker demand (following November rains) and rekindled feedlot interest.
Email a friend