Prices fell three weeks ago, rose again the following week, but fell again last week.

Heavy lambs registered the greatest decline – the national indicator dropped 19¢/kg from last week's, to average 434¢/kg cwt by Friday last week .

This variability is due to uncertainty surrounding supply and quality.

New season lambs are appearing in larger numbers and currently account for 34pc of all lambs, although most are either light or trade lambs.

Following a few very cold and dry weeks and limited feed supplies, total numbers yarded are expected to increase further, as producers look to offload larger numbers.

This may lead to the quality and maturity of new season lambs being substandard, which will have a negative effect on prices.

The national restocker indicator gained $3, to $49/head. The national trade lamb indicator rose 2¢ this week, to 451¢/kg cwt.

The national Merino lamb indicator fell 2¢ from last week's, to finish at 338¢/kg cwt.

However, this week’s indicator price was 15¢/kg cwt above that of a fortnight ago.

Victoria had a 7¢ gain, registering the highest price at 350¢/kg cwt.

SA and WA recorded losses of 27¢ and 35¢, to average 317¢ and 288¢/kg cwt, respectively.

When compared with results from the same time last year, Merino lambs have gained 46¢/kg cwt.

Total Merino lamb yardings for this winter to date have increased by 33pc when compared with numbers from the same time last year.