THOMAS Foods International and JBS Australia have released their lamb forward contract schedules for the coming months.
TFI released their schedule on Friday last week, with contracts available for 16 kilogram to 34kg carcaseweight, 2-5 fat score lambs.
Prices range from a high of $6.30/kg for new season crossbred lambs delivered August 1 to 5 down to $5/kg for delivery from October 10.
Merino, Dohne and SAMM new season lamb prices range from $6/kg delivered August 1 to 5 through to $4.70/kg delivered from October 10.
But, farmers wanting to take advantage of the forward contracts will need to get in quick as they are likely to close very soon.
TFI livestock buyer Richard Winckel said there had been a very good response to the forward contracts.
“A lot of people are pretty confident with the way the season is going and plenty of rain in most areas. Most people are confident they’ll be able to get their lambs up to a reasonable weight,” he said.
“A lot of lambs are already booked for delivery in late August/early September.”
Mr Winckel said the prices being offered were historically very good.
“The Australian lamb industry has been on a roll for a few years, with prices very stable,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get a good spring rain. If we do the stock coming through should be terrific.”
JBS Australia southern livestock manager Steve Chapman said the company’s forward contracts could close at any time.
“The contracts have been well-received and allow people to plan forward,” he said.
JBS is offering up to $6/kg for new season lambs delivered August 7 through to $4.80/kg delivered November 6 to December 4.
