Australian Livestock Auction Sales Rise

SYDNEY - Apr 11/08 - SNS -- Livestock sold through online auctions managed by AuctionsPlus Pty Ltd rose during the past week.

Throughput for the week totalled 47,116 sheep and lambs, versus 28,437 head during the previous week's auctions, and 3,618 head of cattle, compared to 8,872 last week.

"Sheep and lamb numbers doubled this week," AuctionsPlus' Dean Lemmich said. "Cattle, just to be different, more than halved. Such is the way of things in these testing seasonal conditions.

"Market values were likewise this week, it's as though some think its going to rain cats and dogs, while others are very pessimistic. A line of 270 Santa steers, 341 kg, at Alpha, made 185.9c/kg and some nice quality Angus steers, 213 kg, at Eugowra, finished at 236.6c/kg, which were certainly above expectations for current conditions.

"On Thursday, mutton sheep had an unexpected price surge and all in all the markets are reflecting the great deal of uncertainty that both buyers and sellers have to contend with at present. Domestic mutton operators are beside themselves, with current pricing and with the limited numbers available. Almost all sheep are going to export plants; shipping has been very active as well in recent weeks which have taken considerable numbers away from slaughter plants.

"Store lambs eased further this week as you would expect, and pregnant ewes have come off the boil a little. Young Merino sheep not requiring excellent pastures have held up better than most."

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