SUPPLY of lambs in spring is not expected to be a problem and with many NSW regions experiencing better seasonal conditions, the quality will be excellent.
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That's the insights from many of the agencies represented in the top five for the AuctionsPlus sheep and lamb throughput awards for 2019-20.
Riverina Livestock Agents at Wagga Wagga claimed the top prize for sheep and lamb throughput which is awarded annually. It also picked up the prestigious award for top combined sheep and cattle throughput in the same period.
James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents said the lamb industry was in for "a very interesting six months and probably 12 months".
"The restaurant trade in the US is not going that well and that may mean the better cuts of lamb will be harder to move in at least the next six month and until economies get better," Mr Tierney said.
"Expect prices going forward to be a bit more subdued than what they have been."
He said spring lambs would mostly make in the 600 cents a kilogram range, but better lambs could make it to 700c/kg.
"There's plenty of good lambs around so supply will not be a problem," he said.
Other agencies in the top five for sheep throughput were: Delta Agribusiness, Young; Elders, Kingston South Australia; Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon and Company, Forbes; and Nutrien Livestock Wagga Wagga.
In the combined cattle and sheep throughput section the other agencies to round out the top five were: CL Squires and Company, Inverell; Nutrien Boultons, Walcha; Nutrien Ag Solutions, Wagga; and Nutrien Ag Solutions, Tasmania.
Walcha agency Nutrien Boultons claimed the award for top AuctionsPlus cattle throughput.
Nutrien Boultons agent Simon Newton said the direction of the market was anybody's guess.
"There are too many variables at the moment - we've got COVID affecting a huge area of the beef market especially around the world, and we've also got political global tensions and we don't know where that's going to stop," Mr Newton said.
But, at the local level he said the rain which was producing plenty of grass was fueling the restocker market after having been destocked for so long.
"Hopefully, it keeps going well and if you have a crystal ball give us a call," he said.
The other agencies in the top five for cattle throughput were: Brodie Agencies, Winton, Queensland; CL Squires and Company Stock and Station Agent, Inverell; Colin Say and Company, Glen Innes; and Grant Daniel and Long, Blackall, Qld.
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