But processor prices for lambs this week have come back from their recent highs, at MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) saleyards in the eastern states.

As a result, light, trade and heavy lambs have fallen by 6¢/kg to 26¢/kg cwt this week.

Light lambs averaged 331¢/kg, trades 442¢/kg and heavy lambs 454¢/kg cwt.

Demand for sheep and lambs at southern markets weakened with usual buyers either missing or not bidding at Bendigo, Ballarat and Naracoorte.

There were, however, some Victorian processors present at Dubbo, NSW.

They were searching for cheaper lambs owing to a price differential opening up for light and trade lambs between the higher-priced southern and lower-priced northern markets.

Recent rain has assisted restocker demand in southern markets, with prices at Bendigo dearer - Victorian restocker prices lifted $5/head, while all other states were $3-7/head cheaper.

Overall, the national restocker lamb indicator dropped $4 and averaged $52/head.

Sheep and lamb yardings at MLA’s NLRS reported, centres were on par with last week's prices, with the slightly higher total overall due to the fortnightly Inverell sale.

At Inverell, exotic breeds were segmented and sold in separate runs at the request of a major buyer.

MLA says lamb quality was down on last week’s at most centres, but more new-season lambs are entering the market each week, with a reasonable consignment at Dubbo.

Sheep and lamb slaughter levels increased last week, with some processors returning from maintenance closures.