NATIONAL mutton throughput recorded at
Meat and Livestock Australia's NLRS reported markets during 2009 was nine per cent lower compared with 2008.
MLA’s NLRS weekly slaughter figures indicate that 4pc fewer sheep have been sent to slaughter, due to extra competition from live exporters, some restocker interest and a generally low flock.
The eastern states mutton indicator reached a top of 318 cents a kilogram cwt in July, fuelled by fierce competition from restockers, live exporters and processors.
Higher mutton yardings during December eased the pressure, with rates back below 290c/kg cwt.
The strong dollar during the later half of 2009 has made trading difficult for exporters, also intensified by the high saleyard prices.
The eastern states mutton indicator finished the week at 291c/kg, which was 108c/kg cwt above the same week last year.
The WA mutton indicator finished at 250c/kg, easing slightly in the wake of increased ewe mutton supplies.
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