The total yarding of 7700 was an increase of 1650 on last sale, with the lamb yarding up 650 to 5200.
There was a handy lead of heavy lambs in an otherwise mixed yarding of lambs.
There was a lot of smaller clean-up lots of lambs off grass, and weight and fat consistency in pens was an issue at times.
There were more processors in attendance and lamb prices were stronger, but the market overall didn’t show a lot of drive and buyers didn’t really push the sale.
The sheep run showed more energy and was dearer, with rates lifting above 300c/kg on the main lines to match recent markets.
Only the opening pen of lambs sold above $200, at $203 for crossbreds estimated around 30kg carcase weight.
After this, the lead pens of heavy and heavy trade lambs mostly $155 to $185 at a ballpark cost of 650c/kg carcase weight.
Medium trade lambs were $138 to $159, and lighter processing lambs with frame $110 to $135/head.
Smaller MK style lambs were mostly $70 to $118 and small Merino lambs were $55 to $74.
Sheep prices improved with the main weight and grade categories tracking over 300c/kg carcase weight.
A few big crossbred ewes sold to $114, while lead of Merino ewes with weight or higher value skins were from $87 to $118.60/head.
Light sheep made between $48 and $70.
Top sales:
Crossbred lambs - G & S Pearn, $203; LG Park, $188; C Simpson, $181.
Ewes - J Andrews, $91 and $88; H & J Thompson, $88.
Hoggets - B & A Butcher, $120; G & S Pearn, $114; S Reaper, $95.
Rams - D & A Bull, $39; S Reaper, $38.
~ Details contributed by Meat Livestock Australia market reporter Jenny Kelly and saleyards manager Greg White, on behalf of the Deniliquin Associated Agents.