There was a reduction in lamb numbers at the Deniliquin sale on Tuesday, after the peak of the early spring flush.
There were 5000 head yarded, in addition to 1900 sheep.
The total sale value was $1,195,041, with the average price of $132.41.
Quality remained good in the lead pens of new season lambs, however there was less weight and overall carcass finish compared to a fortnight ago.
Processor competition was very strong for the main run of trade and heavy young lambs, and carcase price averages were dearer than a fortnight ago.
The same keen demand carried into any of the well presented old season lambs, in neater and short skins, which were considerably dearer at times.
The lacklustre part of the market was mutton, with sheep prices cheaper in line with what has happened across the industry in recent days.
The best heavy young lambs in the 26kg to 30kg carcase weight range sold from $213 to $240, and were in limited numbers to average a ballpark 840c/kg carcase weight.
The general run of medium trades sold from $166 to $185, with the fresher conditioned lots over 800c/kg carcase weight and those that showed signs of having slipped were in the high 700c/kg range.
Restocking orders operated from Shepparton and the local area at $115 to $144/head.
Some heavy trade old season lambs sold from $185 to $229 and were estimated to be costing processors well into the 800c/kg price range.
However any clean-up lots of a few head of old lambs in rough skins still sold to selective demand.
There was some very good heavy Merino and meat ewes in the mutton run, but prices were capped at $88/head regardless of weight.
The majority of sheep sold from $50 to $80/head at carcase rates of 220c to 280c/kg carcase weight.
Top sales:
Suckers - M & J Dunmore, $246.
Old lambs - Spring Plains Pastoral, $229.
Sheep - JA Jamieson, $88.
~ Report details provided by Meat Livestock Australia market reporter Jenny Kelly and Deniliquin Saleyards manager Greg White, on behalf of the Deniliquin Associated Agents.