27/05/2026
*** Here is the MLA livestock report for the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange, Wednesday 27 May 2026 with Chris Agnew. ***
Hamilton agents yarded 5,000 lambs (2,600 fewer) and 4,000 sheep (1,200 more) this week compared to last week’s offering. Lambs at the top end were grain supplementary fed. Quality was similar overall although there was less weight across the yarding and a smaller tail of lambs suitable for the paddock at the lower end. Most of the regular buying group were present although not all were fully active in what was a slightly erratic market. Buyers were very selective on quality resulting in a firm to dearer market. This was most noticeable at the very heavy end over 30 kgs which improved by up to $20/head. Very neat trade lambs were firm to $5 per head stronger. Lambs suitable for feeding remained firm however, some lambs back to the paddock were softer by $10 to $20/head. Lambs to the trade averaged between 1200 and 1300c/kg cwt topping at $380/head.
Suitable lambs to feed on or return to the paddock generally made between $174 and $272 equating to 1200 to 1300c/kg cwt. Light lambs 12–16 kg sold from $174 to $220 while trade lambs weighing 18–22kg made $212 to $260/head. Lambs in the 22–26kg range sold from $270 to $323 and heavier trade lambs made from $323 to a top of $380/head. Hoggets reached $318/head.
Sheep sold to strong competition again particularly the medium to light categories which were $20/head stronger and more in places. Heavier sheep remained firm. Mutton averaged between 850 and 980c/kg cwt. Crossbred ewes sold to $315 and Merino wethers to $208 and Merino ewes with skin to $265/head. Terminal rams reached $102 while Merino rams sold to $124/head.