Horsham saleyard numbers drop

Sheep and lamb numbers at Horsham saleyard are gradually decreasing as producers persist through the winter months.

Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange yarded about 1500 less sheep and lambs at its weekly Wednesday sale last week, compared with earlier this month.

Meat and Livestock Australia livestock market officer Graham Pymer, based in Horsham, said both lamb and sheep numbers eased last week, with 3226 lambs and 1582 sheep penned.

“Quality was mixed, with a smaller offering of heavy lambs yarded,” he said.

“Most of the regular buying group attended and operated in a strong market with lambs generally selling from $5 to $10 a head up on last week.”

Medium and heavy-trade-weight lambs sold from $212 to $248, with extra heavy-weight lambs selling at $303 a head.

Merino lambs mostly sold from $147 to $195 a head. Restockers and feeders sold from $101 to $183, with Aussie White cross ewe lambs selling at $238 and $248 a head.

Mr Pymer said the 1582 sheep penned covered all weights and grades and sold with strong demand.

He said lighter sheep were a few dollars dearer and some heavier sheep sold at $10 less a head.

He said crossbred ewes sold to $236, while merino ewes sold to $220 and the merino wethers made a top of $205 a head.

People can visit website www.mla.com.au for more information about sheep and lamb sales.