Australian livestock markets see rising sheep and lamb prices

Australian livestock markets are seeing strong performance as the spring season approaches. At the Cowra Regional Livestock Selling Centre, old lambs reached near-record prices of $429.20 per head, driven by high demand for quality, well-finished stock.

Nationwide, the arrival of new season lambs has boosted market momentum. The Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI) rose to 1200¢/kg cwt, with significant gains seen in Merino lambs and restocker indicators. Buyers have shown increased confidence due to improved rainfall in southern sheep regions.

In South Australia, the Elders Eyre Peninsula Circuit Sale saw yardings more than double compared to the previous year, with nearly 14,000 lambs and ewes sold. Crossbred lambs in that circuit reached up to $280 per head, reflecting an excellent year for local producers.