17/06/2026
*** Here is the MLA livestock report for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange, Wednesday 17 June 2026 with Chris Agnew. ***
Hamilton agents yarded 5,100 lambs, down 3,400, and 2,900 sheep, down 400, compared to last week. Lamb quality at the top end was generally good, with many grain-supplemented lines presented. However, overall quality was mixed, and plainer types fell away more sharply this week. As a result, there was a larger tail of lambs suited to restocking or further feeding at the lower end. Not all regular buyers were present or fully active, and competition remained selective. Very good medium and light trade lambs improved $10 to $15, while most other categories held firm.
Trade lambs averaged between 1,070c and 1,350c/kg cwt, with a top price of $405 per head. Lambs suitable for feeding generally sold from $216 to $293, with some heavier better bred lambs stronger by $20 per head.
Light lambs weighing 12 to 16kg sold from $175 to $226 per head. Trade lambs weighing 18 to 22kg made $232 to $269 per head, while those in the 22 to 26kg range sold from $255 to $327 per head. Heavy trade lambs ranged from $318 to a top of $405 per head, and hoggets reached up to $299 per head.
Sheep prices remained firm overall, with some lighter Merino sheep improving by up to $20 per head to average between 800 and 960c/kg cwt. Crossbred ewes sold to $296, Merino wethers to $270, and Merino ewes with skin to $243. Terminal rams made $120 and Merino rams $109
Market Reporter: Chris Agnew, MLA