The total yarding was 10,500, up 700 on last fortnight’s sale.
Fewer sheep were presented, totalling just 2500, but the 8000 lambs penned was an increase of 1200 from last sale.
Quality across the main run of young lambs was generally very good, with most of the crossbreds in a range of 20-27kg carcase weight.
All the major domestic buyers attended.
Prices were dearer than a fortnight ago and matched the best rates seen at more recent local markets.
Price results across old season lambs were mixed depending on quality, with plainer and the last of the winter clean-up lots cheaper.
The lead drafts of heavy young lambs sold from $139 to a top of $151.
The market had the most strength over nicely weighted and fresh trade lambs, which sold from $114 to $140/head.
On a carcase basis, the bulk of the good processing lambs were estimated at 500c to 560c/kg carcase weight, with odd sales of neat 21kg types higher at times.
Some bigger lines of small young lambs to the paddock were dearer at $37 to $72/head.
Competition for old season lambs was selective around quality and breed type, with demand for secondary and odd lots fairly dull.
The best shorn lambs with weight and finish sold from $120 to $142, at an estimated 420c to 480c/kg.
But secondary types and anything suspect for seed made from $50 to $120.
Not many sheep were yarded as producers hold back from selling at current rates.
Prices were cheaper than a fortnight ago, with most mutton estimated between 100c to 170c/kg carcase weight.
Leaner trade sheep sold better than the few extra heavy ewes.
Most sheep sold for $20 to $40/head, with extra heavies to $46.
Rams were under $10 and a lot of the hoggets were also dragged down to mutton rates, at $36 to $70.
~ Contributed by Meat & Livestock Australia market reporter Jenny Kelly on behalf of the Deniliquin Associated Agents.
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