STORE ewe prices at annual sales during January have generally performed better than expected and it’s a trend that’s flowing through to the prime mutton market, too.
It’s not been uncommon for both Merino and first-cross ewes to exceed $130 a head at breeder sales, while heavy mutton hit a record 350c/kg (carcase weight) last week.
Surprised vendors have been able to cash in on the surge of hungry restockers buying stock following good pasture growth.
Also working against restockers has been limited supply.
An example was the Condobolin breeder sale a fortnight ago where just 5500 sheep were offered – in contrast, in other years as many as 12,000 Merinos have gone under the hammer.
The confidence in the market was evident at the Bombala circuit sale in January when first-cross ewes hit $130.
Full story in The Land February 11.
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