Demand is stepping up for good quality fleshed lambs with competition increasing between butchers and wholesalers sourcing lambs for the Christmas trade, with agents looking to maintain throughput from marts with a smaller offering. It is important to consider what the best route to market is for your lambs and what sales avenue will return the greatest price.

Paid weight limits differ with most southern plants and all northern plants offering a standard carcase weight cut off limit of 22kg. Some southern plants are increasing this to 22.5kg to secure sales while at the top of the market there have been a low number of deals completed paying up to 23kg carcase weight.

In mart sales, good quality fleshed wether and ewe lambs are generating extra competition while the number of buyers for ram lambs will be lower and generally confined to factory agents. Likewise grouping ewe lambs suitable for breeding may attract farmer interest and insert another element of competition. It is important to use realistic estimates for kill-out and consider the most suitable market for the type of lamb present.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more

Sheep prices: more improvements in the mart trade