From January to June, our national lamb slaughter surpassed 12 million head for the first time on record.

Export markets are getting used to lamb prices above 800¢ in our terms, according to Mecardo analyst Angus Brown.

Mortlake and surrounds are looking good heading into spring and cattle are being sent to Mortlake from the north

Bidders and spectators at the Murray Bridge prime lamb sale on Monday were pleasantly surprised to see lambs in quality, forward condition despite the tough conditions producers have been grappling with this season.

Sheep and lambs were up in numbers compared with past markets at the Mount Pleasant sale on Thursday last week, with new-season lambs being snapped up processors and local butchers.

THE top-end of steers sold well at the Mount Gambier saleyards on Friday, but heifers returns were back on the previous month.

THERE were 403 sucker lambs, 6930 lambs and 2821 mutton offered at Ouyen, Vic, last week for a total yarding of 10,154.

Mecardo analyst Olivia Agar says drought is also starting to hit hard in the United States.

Mecardo analyst Robert Herrmann explains how the drought is expected to impact lamb supply and prices.

Stock Journal's PAULA THOMPSON talks through the saleyard trends of the past week.