Heavier male lambs with shorter wool earning a premium – Mid and South Canterbury cropping farmers also weighing in.

Store lamb sales in the North Island started in earnest in early May.

Month on month, yardings through the Fielding saleyards and paddock to paddock sales are ahead of annual averages, with more lambs selling this May compared to last. Due to the prevailing dry in many districts, some with lambs to sell have been keen to quit stock early, while the year’s first cold snap in late May also gave hill country farmers a signal that it was time to send lambs away.

While prices are steady the lamb market in general remains below where most would wish, albeit the store lamb price is as positive as could reasonably be hoped.

Despite it being more of a buyers’ market, those intending to finish lambs are willing to pay a premium for what they want, focusing on shorter term male lambs with wool length meaning they won’t need to be shorn again. Lighter lambs with longer wool are gaining less attention.

Demand from those on finishing country throughout greater Manawatu is strong, also assisted and underpinned by Mid and South Canterbury cropping farmers heading north to secure their winter lamb supplies.