There was a total of 13,028 presented, resulting in total sales of $2,488,360 and an average price of $191.
New season lambs dominated, and quality is starting to decline as more pens appear showing dryness and some seed in the pelt.
There was still a handy lead of heavy types, although the bulk of the yarding was tradeweights and feeders, tailing out onto some light Merinos.
All the regular buyers attended, although the supermarket support that was there for the early sales of young lambs at Deniliquin has now moved onto other supply areas that are starting on their first drafts.
Price trends were softer than a fortnight ago, but in line with the downward price movement seen across the industry since early October.
The main runs of young lambs to processors were estimated at 1000c, to just touch on 1100c/kg carcase weight (cwt) at the top-end of the market.
The sheep sale had some stronger results compared to more recent local sales, particularly on any heavy lines of mutton.
The lead pens of heavier new season lambs made from $270 to a top of $307/head.
Only a couple of pens showed enough weight and condition to entice buyers over the $300/head threshold.
The bulk of the young lambs were estimated in the 22-24kg cwt range and sold from $234 to $270/head, at an estimated cost of 1040c/kg to processors.
The best Dorper lambs made to $256.
Feeders and restockers paid from $170 to $220/head for the better lines of stores that showed breed type and frame.
Small and mixed crossbred lambs made from $112 to $161/head.
Very light little Merino lambs, some shorn, sold from $38 to $80/head.
There was only a scattering of old season lambs which sold at cheaper levels, although any neat pens in tidy skins still sold above an estimated $10kg cwt.
The mutton sale was cheaper than the buoyant rates of a fortnight ago, but compared to more recent sales it was a strong outcome at Denilquin.
A couple of export buyers went toe-to-toe on the main lines of heavy sheep, helping propel one draft of crossbred ewes to a top of $263/head.
Most of the leaner trade station Merino ewes went for $140 to $190/head.
The estimated cost for mutton was 630c to 730c/kg cwt.
Top sales:
Suckers - EA & JW McDonald, $307; Granada Ag, $302.
Sheep - Peri Chappell, $269; Holden Pastoral, $263.
~ Details provided by Meat & Livestock Australia market reporter Jenny Kelly and Deniliquin Saleyards manager Greg White, on behalf of the Deniliquin Associated Agents.
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