Restocking lambs went against the trend, however, to end 14¢/kg dearer, at 437¢.

All other categories came off the boil:

• Merino lambs have been slightly cheaper, at 393¢/kg cwt.

• Light lamb fell by 10¢/kg, to 390¢/kg.

• Trade lambs lost 7¢/kg, to 478¢/kg cwt.

• Heavy lambs have been 3¢/kg cheaper, at 482¢/kg cwt.

So far this week, the national lamb supply has lifted 4pc and sheep supply has risen by 6pc when compared to the same time last week.

MLA says this is primarily due to the stronger prices recorded around the country last week and to the public holiday next Monday.

However, as much of the eastern part of the country receiving scattered showers this week, it is anticipated that supply could tighten.

The onset of winter and declining pastures is impacting on sheep and lamb quality.

All the regular buyers were present and active at MLA’s NLRS reported markets, with competition boosted for lightweight lambs at Ballarat, Vic, as there were two extra restocking buyers grappling for supplies.

NSW sheep supply rose 3pc from last week due to the higher prices and lambs supply fell 2pc as some areas received rain. Victoria experienced the opposite trend with lamb availability rising 8pc and sheep numbers dropping 3pc.

Last week's higher prices encouraged 27pc more lambs and 61pc more sheep onto the market in SA

Nationally, mutton strengthened 4¢/kg, to settle at 281¢/kg cwt. Demand for mutton remains strong on an ever tightening supply.