Prime heavyweight lambs sold above $300 at Dubbo and Wodonga this week continuing the fine run of prices and justifying time spent on expensive feed.
While yet to hit last year's record highs, this week's impressive bids continue to give producers confidence that money outlaid for high-priced feed will bring a return.
Steve Gay, Carter, Lindsay and Webber at Dubbo said a pen of Merino lambs with Darriwell blood from Paul Vernon, Wellington, sold for $259 to Southern Meats at Junee.
"I can't ever recall selling Merino lambs for that price," he said.
"There's obviously not much out in the paddocks hence the money."
He said supermarket buyers previously absent returned on Monday to drive the price of trade lambs.
"We're seeing a lot of producers selling their second and third draft making the most money because of the timing," Mr Gay said.
Landmark Paull and Scollard Wodonga livestock agent Tim Robinson reported the prime lamb sale at Corowa was stronger by $10-$15 on the strength of demand from processors.
"The sale topped at $312 for lambs over 30kg which was a good result," he said, noting that the middle weight lambs in the 18-24kg range were the dearest on a cents a kilogram rate.
"The demand is incredible with processors struggling to keep up with limited supply of finished lambs," he said.
"It is a great result for producers who have stuck with their lambs through a tough season and spent a bit of money on feeding them."
Dubbo sheep processor Roger Fletcher said overseas markets with a taste for Australian production were driving the market forward, with the competitive Australian dollar continuing to keep exports attractive.
"The lamb job is sound," he said. "Whether producers sell small, medium or big they have a great choice now.
"Whether they're cropping or feeding on grain producers have an ability to fit whatever market suits. That's good for Australia."
