There was less weight and finish in the lamb run, which comprised a mix of mostly first-cross and Merino lambs of various quality.
Two regular processing orders were absent, and the buyers on the rail were selective and only prepared to operate at lower rates.
Lamb prices were $10 to $20/head cheaper compared to a fortnight ago, noting the market has eased in that time and part of the cheaper trend was due to values re-aligning to more current rates.
Agents did opt to pass-in some pens.
Heavy lambs sold to $210 and there were only three sales above $200/head.
The bulk of the crossbred lambs made from $165 to $185/head, with buyers treating any plainer first-cross types rather harshly at times.
Most of the lighter weight lambs were in the Merino section, with the majority of sales to processors from $139 to $166/head.
Most lamb categories recorded price averages of between 700c and 750c/kg carcase weight, with any higher outcomes reserved for the better bred and fed lambs in shorter skins.
There was another limited sheep run, with prices weaker but maintaining their value better than lambs.
Good lines of Merino ewes were trading either side of 600c/kg carcase weight.
Top sales:
Lambs – Sutton Nominees, $210; D & J Cox, $194; J Croker, $188.
Sheep – John Lamb Pastoral, $206.50; Rawakal Pty Ltd, $200; D Willis, $193.60.
Hoggets – K & J Soding, $180; M & C Bull, $156.
~ Details provided by Meat and Livestock Australia and Elders Rural Services Deniliquin, on behalf of the Deniliquin Associated Agents.