Australian Lamb Prices Soar to Record Highs Amidst Tight Supply
Lamb Prices Hit Record Highs Amid Tight Winter Supply
Lamb prices in Australia have soared to historic highs as seasonal supply tightens, according to recent figures from Meat & Livestock Australia. All national indicators for lamb have reached record levels, defying typical winter trends.
Key Price Movements:
-
Light Lambs: 924¢/kg carcase weight
-
Trade Lambs: 1,049¢/kg cwt
-
Heavy Lambs: 1,041¢/kg cwt
The spike is largely driven by the expected winter lull in lamb supply, a pattern that typically eases when new-season lambs arrive in spring. Despite the supply challenges, weekly slaughter volumes remain strong, averaging around 471,000 lambs – though processor closures over winter could slow this pace.
For the first time, trade-weight lambs are commanding higher prices than heavy lambs – a reversal of the usual trend. Analysts suggest this may be due to increased competition from export markets (particularly the US), tighter availability of mid-weight lambs, and strong domestic retail demand.
With seasonal supply expected to remain tight until spring, lamb prices are likely to stay firm in the short term. However, market performance will depend on how processors manage upcoming closures and how soon new-season lambs begin to flow through the system.
Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA): Finished lamb prices hit record highs despite tight seasonal supply