Lamb and sheep supplies in Western Australia (WA) are facing tight and uneven conditions, particularly during the traditional spring flush period. This year, a delayed seasonal break and patchy early pasture growth have postponed the turnoff of lambs by approximately three to four weeks. As a result, most new-season lambs are only just reaching target weights, leading to a compressed marketing window.
This situation is likely to result in a concentrated pulse of supply rather than the usual steady flow anticipated through October and November. Producers may opt to retain many lambs for additional weight gain, divert them to feedlots, or hold them until after the harvest. Such decisions could further tighten availability, particularly through late November and December.
Processor demand remains robust yet selective, focusing on specific weight and quality profiles. While a brief increase in supply could create temporary scheduling pressures, overall throughput is not expected to rise significantly due to current capacity limits. The combination of limited supply and consistent demand is likely to help stabilize prices, with any potential dips stemming from short-term oversupply rather than a sustained market downturn.
Future Supply Outlook
Looking ahead, a post-harvest supply wave may emerge as pasture quality declines. Producers are expected to offload remaining lambs before summer feed pressures intensify. However, this later turnoff is anticipated to consist mainly of lighter lambs and mutton, rather than heavy prime stock.
According to Agora Livestock, there are mixed requirements for feeder lambs among buyers. Spot pricing remains available from now through January 2026, offering producers flexibility in their marketing strategies.
Interest in breeding ewes is currently lukewarm, with buyers exhibiting limited appetite as seasonal confidence fluctuates across regions. Meanwhile, Agora’s Base+ forward pricing contracts continue to provide risk management options for producers during the summer period. These contracts help secure minimum price outcomes amid the uncertain supply landscape.
Current Pricing Trends
Indicative processor prices in WA are as follows:
– Old season trade lambs: $9.80 per kilogram (kg) carcass weight (cwt)
– New season trade lambs: $10.40 kg cwt
– Airfreight lambs: $8.50 kg cwt
– Light and heavy mutton: $6.50 kg cwt
Indicative feeder lamb prices include:
– Crossbred feeder lamb (40 kg+): $4.60 kg
– Crossbred feeder lamb (28 kg): $4.50 kg
– Merino lamb (36 kg): $4.30 kg
– Shedder lambs (34 kg): $4.50 kg
Producers seeking greater certainty in pricing can contact the Agora Trade Desk for quotes on both fixed price and Base+ pricing options. As the market evolves, maintaining awareness of supply dynamics will be crucial for stakeholders in the lamb and sheep sector.
